masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən 
: 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
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
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.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
masturbate
verb
ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt
Medical Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: 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
Nglish: Translation of masturbation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about masturbation
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share