orgasm

1 of 2

noun

or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌga-zəm How to pronounce orgasm (audio)
plural orgasms
: intense or paroxysmal excitement
especially : the rapid pleasurable release of neuromuscular tensions at the height of sexual arousal that is usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female

orgasm

2 of 2

verb

orgasmed; orgasming; orgasms

intransitive verb

: to experience orgasm

Examples of orgasm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
And her reaction to Meg Ryan’s iconic fake orgasm scene? Bailey Richards, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 This process involves four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024
Verb
Her tips for how to orgasm better? Spend more time on foreplay. Lexi Petronis, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2024 According to research, the number of people with vaginas who orgasm during vaginal intercourse is low—only 6% of the participants in one study reached orgasm with only vaginal stimulation. Kristine Thomason, Health, 27 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for orgasm 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin orgasmus, from Greek orgasmos, from organ to grow ripe, be lustful; probably akin to Sanskrit ūrjā sap, strength

Verb

derivative of orgasm entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1763, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orgasm was circa 1763

Dictionary Entries Near orgasm

Cite this Entry

“Orgasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orgasm. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

orgasm

noun
or·​gasm
ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm
: the climax of sexual excitement

Medical Definition

orgasm

1 of 2 noun
or·​gasm ˈȯr-ˌgaz-əm How to pronounce orgasm (audio)
: the climax of sexual excitement that is usually accompanied by ejaculation of semen in the male and by vaginal contractions in the female
orgasmic adjective
also orgastic

orgasm

2 of 2 intransitive verb
: to experience an orgasm
able to orgasm during intercourseShere Hite

More from Merriam-Webster on orgasm

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