genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈje-nə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency (see latency sense 3) period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
genitally adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web These ingredients can help to boost libido by increasing testosterone levels, improving blood flow to the genital area, and reducing stress and anxiety. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023 Many patients are only reporting lesions in the genital area, Kulkarni said. Dallas News, 3 Aug. 2022 It's thought that the same things that cause pimples in other areas may also cause them in your genital area.3 Clogged Pores Your skin is lined with follicles and pores surrounding single strands of fine hair connected to sebaceous oil glands. Health Editorial Team, Health, 6 Mar. 2023 In both cases, typical symptoms include the urgency to pee and pain during urination, but blood in urine, fever, bladder inflammation, urinary incontinence, abdominal or back discomfort, strong-smelling urine, and genital irritation can also occur. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 26 Jan. 2023 In recent studies it has been shown to increase nipple sensitivity, enhance arousal, and promote genital lubrication. Dr. Nan Wise, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2023 Persistent genital arousal without corresponding psychological arousal appears to be linked to eating disorders. Andrew Cockburn, Harper’s Magazine , 5 Jan. 2023 In her two decades as a genital morphologist, Patricia Brennan has looked at a lot of animal clitorises. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2022 Documented incidents included violence using batons, hammers, electric shock, genital torture, sensory deprivation, and hanging by the hands or legs. Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 7 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genital.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin genitalis, from genitus, past participle of gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of genital was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near genital

Cite this Entry

“Genital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genital. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
: of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

Medical Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by a personality in the genital stage of psychosexual development especially as typified by normal sexual desires and by concern for the happiness and pleasures of others compare anal sense 2, oral sense 3
genitally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on genital

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