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 While Nick's character is a late-bloomer, Andrew is, well, fully bloomed, spending a lot of time dealing with an overactive imagination, out-of-control hormones, and a favorite new pastime called...masturbation. Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Less Than Males? Data from Brindle’s overview seems to suggest that female masturbation is less common than male masturbation. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023 There are jokes about the crucifixion and masturbation. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2024 The Handy, a motorized device that moves up and down to mimic masturbation for people with penises, is certainly the flashier of the two. Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Jan. 2024 Another hypothesis that Brindle is still analyzing is masturbation could be a signal to help animals display their vigor and attractiveness. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023 In 1991, Reubens was charged with public masturbation after he allegedly was caught in the act in a Sarasota, Florida, movie theater. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023 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

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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