masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: 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 No matter your masturbation or partnered play needs, the best dildos are basically guaranteed to get you off. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Nov. 2023 George Loewenstein, a titan of behavioral science and a co-author of Ariely’s masturbation paper, has refashioned his research program, conceding that his own work might have contributed to an emphasis on the individual at the expense of the systemic. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2023 Use it alone to add prostate play to your masturbation routine, with a partner during foreplay, or even try it as a vaginal massager to hit the G-spot. Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, 30 Sep. 2023 Some examples of foreplay: are dirty talking, masturbation, acting out a fantasy, massages, and body kissing. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 31 July 2023 Now, speaking of the physical realm of body connection, masturbation is a notable mention, but do it with a twist—explore your body with various techniques, rhythms, textures, and sensations to learn what brings you the most pleasure. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Sep. 2023 To find more clues about why masturbation arose, the team used a pair of hypotheses. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2023 Meanwhile, playing an English-speaking kid with questions about his Latino heritage, Gonzales is Dante, totally convincing as someone who’s simultaneously vulnerable and uninhibited, capable of asking his buddy about masturbation without tilting the movie into raunchy comedy territory. Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 July 2023 This masturbation sleeve is designed for long-distance play by connection to the brand's media player. Laura Delarato, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masturbation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masturbation was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near masturbation

Cite this Entry

“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

masturbation

noun
mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
masturbate
ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt
verb

Medical Definition

masturbation

noun
mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on masturbation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!