masturbation

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

|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

See masturbation defined for kids

Recent Examples of masturbation from the Web

Along with shouts to Dr. Dre, Wu-Tang Clan, Pharrell and Michael Jordan, Stav repeatedly sends love to favorite pastime: masturbation.

— gil kaufman, Billboard, "Watch Kacey Musgraves & Amy Schumer in Unaired 'SNL' Sketch 'Spirituality Rap'," 16 May 2018
On one of the pages rested a note about masturbation.

— marc freeman, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Seinfeld' Finale at 20: Hidden Tales From the Vault of a Comedian's Bizarro World," 13 May 2018
Whether in the dressing room or backstage, the conversation is authentically piquant in its shifts between confidence and uncertainty as discussions pivot among topics including masturbation, life ambitions and how to lose one’s virginity.

— New York Times, "Review: ‘Dance Nation,’ the Power and the Terror of Girls at 13," 8 May 2018
Leklok means masturbation in Chamoru, the language spoken on the island.

— USA TODAY, "Priest accused in 124 Guam sex abuse cases ages quietly, alone," 5 May 2018
Each of my sons has talked to me about wet dreams and masturbation.

— anonymous as told to alexa tsoulis-reay, The Cut, "How I Raised 5 Sons to Respect Women," 7 Mar. 2018
Here in America, there is evidence of involvement by Rajneesh followers in striptease, masturbation shows, and prostitution in San Francisco.

— win mccormack, The New Republic, "Bhagwan’s Bottom Line II," 12 Apr. 2018
That’s especially true of women who have developed a set pattern of masturbation.

— Time, "Ask Dr. Ruth: How Can I Orgasm More Easily During Sex?," 29 Mar. 2018
Or John Harvey Kellogg’s anti-masturbation cornflake diet.

— jenny splitter, The Cut, "The Science of How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health," 16 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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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