frottage

noun

frot·​tage frȯ-ˈtäzh 

1

: the technique of creating a design by rubbing (as with a pencil) over an object placed underneath the paper

also : a composition so made

2

: the act of obtaining sexual stimulation by rubbing against a person or object

Examples of frottage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This works well for tapestries, quilts, stone reliefs, frottage—media whose own materiality is assertive enough to compete with Zumthor’s surfaces. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

To some extent, isolation is just a feature of Los Angeles the way light frottage is a feature of riding on the New York City subway. — Lauren Bans, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026

Arnal uses a variety of techniques, such as crumpling (froissage), folding (pliage), tying up (ficelage), stenciling (pochoirs), rubbing (frottage), tearing up (arrachements), and collage, challenging our perception of painting. — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023

The adolescent romance is, to be sure, very French—the two are young enough to play children’s games in the Champs-Élysées each afternoon, yet old enough to engage in a memorable moment of frottage. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 3 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

French, from frotter to rub

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frottage

• cottage
• pottage
• wattage

Medical Definition

frottage

noun

frot·​tage frȯ-ˈtäzh 

: frotteurism