intercourse

noun in·ter·course \ ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 2018

Examples: intercourse in a Sentence

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

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See intercourse defined for kids

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse

Recent Examples of intercourse from the Web

Studies show that men and women who have intercourse with their partners have greater satisfaction with their mental health.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "10 health benefits of having more sex," 1 Mar. 2018
She was eventually diagnosed with vaginismus, which is characterized by involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles that tighten the vaginal entrance, causing pain, penetration problems and inability to have intercourse.

— caroline judelson, Fox News, "Woman says agonizing condition has left her unable to have sex," 26 June 2018
In New York, for example, 31 percent of students reported ever having had intercourse.

— New York Times, "Sex and Drugs Decline Among Teens, but Depression and Suicidal Thoughts Grow," 14 June 2018
Multiple studies have shown that having intercourse is perfectly safe throughout pregnancy.

— nancy redd, Marie Claire, "6 Tips for Amazing Sex During Pregnancy," 13 Apr. 2018
In describing what occurred, de la Huerta said Weinstein violently forced her down and had intercourse with her against her will.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Harvey Weinstein faces arrest after sex assault accusations," 26 Mar. 2015
Many of these students also mistakenly believe that women orgasm from intercourse alone.

— laurie mintz, Philly.com, "The orgasm gap explained: Why she's just not as into it," 18 May 2018
Symptoms accompanying fibroids can range in severity, and those with tumors may experience heavy or long menstrual periods, abnormal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and frequent urination.

— lauren rearick, Teen Vogue, "FKA twigs Had Fibroid Tumors Removed," 9 May 2018
Women, who, should intercourse go awry, had failed in their duties.

— megan garber, The Atlantic, "Jagged Little (Blue) Pill," 27 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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