masturbation

noun

mas·tur·ba·tion | \ ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən

Definition of masturbation

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital (see genital sense 2) organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual (see manual entry 1 sense 1) or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation (see manipulate sense 1), occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

Examples of masturbation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nearly a decade ago, Helfer wrote a blog post that said masturbation is not a sin. — Kathy Stephenson, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Latter-day Saint sex therapist plans to fight to keep her church membership," 16 Apr. 2021 What better way to flaunt this realization than to write an entire novel about masturbation? — Los Angeles Times, "If ‘Philip Roth: The Biography’ leaves you hating its subject, thank Blake Bailey," 2 Apr. 2021 Both were charged with masturbation for hire and keeping a place of prostitution. — Cara Kelly, USA TODAY, "The Atlanta shooting put a spotlight on the vulnerability of spa workers. Many are still routinely arrested across Georgia.," 31 Mar. 2021 Police reports detail undercover sting operations at Gold Spa between 2011 and 2014 that resulted in 11 arrests for prostitution and masturbation for hire. — Cara Kelly, USA TODAY, "The Atlanta shooting put a spotlight on the vulnerability of spa workers. Many are still routinely arrested across Georgia.," 31 Mar. 2021 The most famous example is probably that masturbation episode in Season One. — Maria Fontoura, Rolling Stone, "‘Pen15’ Creators Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine Are Making Middle School Great Again," 26 Mar. 2021 Of course, Daphne tries out masturbation that night. — Lia Beck, refinery29.com, "R29 Recaps: Every Episode From Bridgerton Season 1," 28 Dec. 2020 There’s no reason for female masturbation to be a taboo topic. — Rachel Jacoby Zoldan, SELF, "14 Benefits of Female Masturbation and Tips for Getting Busy With Yourself," 27 Dec. 2020 Blisteringly funny and exceedingly dark, both shows plumb the sometimes-seedy depths of female desire (an entire episode of I Hate Suzie is devoted to masturbation), prioritizing honesty over doe-eyed likability. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "“I Hate Suzie” Superfan Phoebe Waller Bridge Discusses the Show’s Unique Appeal with Its Creators," 7 Dec. 2020

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

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Last Updated

29 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 16 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for masturbation

masturbation

noun

mas·tur·ba·tion | \ ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən

Medical Definition of masturbation

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies