intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs 

1

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

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

especially : sexual intercourse sense 1

heterosexual intercourse

2

: exchange especially of thoughts or feelings : communion

3

: connection or dealings between persons or groups

Synonyms of intercourse

• interaction
• relation

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse

Recent Examples on the Web

British prosecutors said Johnston used threats and intimidation to force the woman into having intercourse with the men, per the outlet. —Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Vaginal estrogen can be especially effective for easing urinary symptoms and issues like vaginal dryness or painful intercourse that can accompany menopause. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Between 13 to 84% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal pain during intercourse, with pelvic floor tension being one of the many reasons behind the discomfort. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 4 Nov. 2025

Others debated whether the ban should extend to pastors who molested 16- and 17-year-olds without having intercourse. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing intercourse

• sexual intercourse

Rhymes for intercourse

• counterforce
• nonrecourse
• reinforce
• watercourse
• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse

Kids Definition

intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs 

-ˌkȯ(ə)rs

1

: dealings between persons or groups : relations

2

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

especially : sexual intercourse

Medical Definition

intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs 

1

: connection or dealings between persons or groups

2

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

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

especially : sexual intercourse sense 1

heterosexual intercourse