safe sex

noun

Synonyms of safe sexnext
: sexual activity and especially sexual intercourse in which various measures (such as the use of latex condoms or the practice of monogamy) are taken to avoid disease (such as AIDS) transmitted by sexual contact

called also safer sex

Examples of safe sex in a Sentence

a book advising young people to practice safe sex
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In announcing the initiative, AHF described the campaign as a prevention effort intended to promote safer sex practices and increase awareness about condom use. Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Do your best to practice safe sex by using protection like condoms and getting tested regularly for STIs. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 June 2026 Health officials encourage safe sex Local health officials are also encouraging fans to have safer sex. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 Public health messaging around safer sex, access to testing, vaccination where appropriate, and rapid linkage to care will matter far more than sensational fears about Ebola in stadiums. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 28 May 2026 Focus on protective habits like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and safer sex. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Knowing the risks and practicing safer sex helps parents-to-be take simple steps to keep their baby healthy. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026 Key steps include getting the HPV vaccine, staying up to date on Pap smears and HPV screenings, and practicing safer sex, including using condoms. Essence, 27 Jan. 2026 Volunteers target a basketball court in the community, where young men gather, and hand out a safe sex kit, which includes condoms. Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safe sex was in 1968

Cite this Entry

“Safe sex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe%20sex. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

safe sex

noun
: sexual activity and especially sexual intercourse in which various measures (as the use of latex condoms) are taken to avoid disease (as AIDS) transmitted by sexual contact

called also safer sex

Medical Definition

safe sex

noun
: sexual activity and especially sexual intercourse in which various measures (as the use of latex condoms or the practice of monogamy) are taken to avoid disease (as AIDS) transmitted by sexual contact

called also safer sex

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