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

Symptoms may include bloating, fatigue and infertility — and most commonly pain that can strike during periods, intercourse and bowel movements. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Gadd appeared ​at Southwark Crown Court by video link ‌from ⁠prison and denied four counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child and ​two counts ​of unlawful ⁠sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

After receiving his Miranda warnings, the defendant allegedly admitted to consensual intercourse with the 17-year-old. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

That, compounded by plummeting hormones that cause vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, makes this moment for many midlife women a test in bravery. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026

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