intercourse

play

noun in·ter·course \ ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs \

Definition of intercourse

1 :connection or dealings between persons or groups

2 :exchange especially of thoughts or feelings :communion

3 :physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

; especially :sexual intercourse 1

heterosexual intercourse

See intercourse defined for English-language learners

See intercourse defined for kids

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse

Recent Examples of intercourse from the Web

Only 18.4% of the women surveyed said intercourse alone was enough to orgasm, according to the study.

— mary bowerman, USA TODAY, "What do women want? Survey reveals the secret to female orgasms," 30 Aug. 2017
And the results of a recent study back up the fact that not only do most women need some level of hands-on touching to hit climax during intercourse, the type of touch—the rhythm, motion, and pressure—varies widely.

— Health.com, "These Are the Moves That Really Make Women Orgasm, According to Science," 29 Aug. 2017
War is not merely an act of policy but a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse, carried on with other means.

— elliot kaufman, National Review, "Against John Kelly as White House Chief of Staff," 1 Aug. 2017
Wiping front to back and showering after intercourse can help lower your risk of yeast infections.

— Philly.com, "Q&A: How to prevent chronic vaginal yeast infections," 23 July 2017
The majority of people talk about penile-vaginal intercourse.

— abigail jones, Newsweek, "Cancer and Sex: Why Is Nobody Talking About It?," 19 July 2017
Following intercourse, a woman’s immune cells flood her reproductive tract to get rid of potentially harmful microorganisms, Roan says.

— giorgia guglielmi, Science | AAAS, "Protein tangles behind Alzheimer’s disease may be critical for human reproduction," 11 July 2017
The morning after pill prevents pregnancy in seven out of eight women when taken properly within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, Singer explained.

— gia miller, chicagotribune.com, "Many teens still denied 'morning after' pill at pharmacies," 10 July 2017
Charging documents indicate that Jasiczek had sexual intercourse and engaged in lewd fondling or touching with a student over the age of 16 between Jan. 1 and May 3.

— katy bergen, kansascity.com, "Olathe South High teacher charged with unlawful sexual relations with student," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intercourse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of intercourse

Middle English intercurse, probably from Middle French entrecours, from Medieval Latin intercursus, from Latin, act of running between, from intercurrere to run between, from inter- + currere to run — more at car

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First Known Use: 15th century

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