masturbation

noun mas·tur·ba·tion \ ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of masturbation

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

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Recent Examples of masturbation from the Web

Worse, 41 percent of devout women admitted engaging in masturbation.

— linda gordon, The New Republic, "How birth-control leaders found allies in American religious groups," 5 Apr. 2018
Services that make masturbation more enjoyable are booming, such as websites that offer chats with naked girls or video parlours where men can watch adult DVDs in a private booth.

— The Economist, "Japan’s sex industry is becoming less sexual," 5 Apr. 2018
Passed down, often wordlessly, from mother to daughter, the book provided women intimate insights into their own bodies and presented forbidden topics, from menstruation to masturbation, complete with illustrations.

— stephanie ebbert, BostonGlobe.com, "Chapter closes for ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves’," 5 Apr. 2018
Mirror face is a private habit as thoughtlessly available as masturbation.

— molly fischer, The Cut, "Mirror Face," 2 Apr. 2018
So a woman who can’t even have an orgasm via masturbation with her hand or a stream of water, should try out a vibrator and see if that works.

— Time, "Ask Dr. Ruth: How Can I Orgasm More Easily During Sex?," 29 Mar. 2018
Ghosting, threesomes, masturbation—nothing is off-limits.

— lori keong, Marie Claire, "Elevate Your Porn: The 14 Best Sex Podcasts," 8 Sep. 2017
However, under questioning by Salman's defense, Rosecrans said Mateen's internet visits also included dating sites and a link about masturbation.

— krista torralva, latimes.com, "Jury in Pulse massacre trial see texts between gunman and wife: 'I love you babe'," 21 Mar. 2018
However, under questioning by Salman's defense, FBI agent Kim Rosecrans said Mateen's internet visits also included dating sites and a link about masturbation.

— CBS News, ""I love you babe": Orlando shooter sends last text to wife during massacre," 21 Mar. 2018

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.

First Known Use of masturbation

1603

Medical Dictionary

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