virgin

noun

vir·gin | \ ˈvər-jən

Definition of virgin

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a person who has not had sexual intercourse

b : a person who is inexperienced in a usually specified sphere of activity

2a : an unmarried woman devoted to religion

b capitalized : virgo

3a : an absolutely chaste young woman

b : an unmarried girl or woman

4 capitalized : virgin mary

5 : a female animal that has never copulated

virgin

adjective

Definition of virgin (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : chaste

2 : fresh, unspoiled specifically : not altered by human activity a virgin forest

3 of a vegetable oil : obtained from the first light pressing and without heating

4a(1) : being used or worked for the first time virgin lumber — see also virgin wool

(2) of a metal : produced directly from ore by primary smelting

b : initial, first

5 : containing no alcohol a virgin daiquiri

6 : free of impurity or stain : unsullied

7 : characteristic of or befitting a virgin : modest

Virgin

geographical name

Vir·gin | \ ˈvər-jən

Definition of Virgin (Entry 3 of 3)

river 200 miles (322 kilometers) long in southwestern Utah and southeastern Nevada flowing to Lake Mead

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about virgin

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Examples of virgin in a Sentence

Noun

a virgin in the world of comedy clubs, he's still learning to deal with hecklers

Adjective

virgin boys are sometimes unfairly teased the state's only remaining virgin forest

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Adidas has pledged to stop using virgin plastic by 2024 and will incorporate 100 percent Ocean Plastic, and McCartney has used Ocean Plastic in her ready-to-wear and accessories collections. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Parley for the Oceans Founder Cyrill Gutsch Believes Fashion Can Lead the Way to a Healthier Planet," 29 Nov. 2018 Napo Wildlife Center, Ecuador The sole lodge within Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park exposes nature lovers to some of the Amazon’s last remaining virgin forest. — Paul Rubio, Condé Nast Traveler, "The 8 Best Experiential Eco-Lodges in South America," 19 Jan. 2018 In a 6- to 8-quart pot, heat ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. — Eleanore Park, WSJ, "Recipes From the Golden Age of the Luncheon," 12 Sep. 2018 The implication was that only a virgin can really be raped. — The Economist, "Victims of rape in South Asia face further violation from the courts," 28 June 2018 In the film, a virgin has to light a candle to resurrect an evil trio of witches from the dead. — Melanie Thibeault, BostonGlobe.com, "What I wish I had learned in middle-school sex ed," 11 June 2018 Curtis recalls that John Carpenter’s first Halloween only had three roles for young women: smart-aleck Annie Brackett (played by Nancy Kyes), popular cute cheerleader Lynda Van Der Klok (P.J. Soles) and quiet repressed virgin Laurie. — Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, "'Halloween': Jamie Lee Curtis' horror heroine returns in time for 'the year of the woman'," 8 June 2018 As a result of growing up in a repressed environment, these two are not only virgins. — Mick Lasalle, kansascity, "‘On Chesil Beach’ fumbles its story of repressed honeymooners," 7 June 2018 The pair are like fumbling virgins in a first erotic encounter. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "A Primer on the Zoo’s Possibly Pregnant Giant Panda," 28 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

To maximize taste without sacrificing on nutrition, flavor with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, spices, and sea salt. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "How Healthy Is Chickpea Pasta? A Dietitian Weighs In on Nutrition and Weight-Loss Benefits," 25 Mar. 2019 But customers aren’t willing to pay $16—the going rate for a craft cocktail—for a virgin drink. — Anne Kadet, WSJ, "Dry January Has New York Bartenders Mixing $10 Mocktails," 22 Jan. 2019 Getty ImagesCraig Sjodin Colton Underwood is beginning to narrow down his selection of bachelorettes on the 23rd season of The Bachelor, although the virgin jokes/references show no sign of fading. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Who is 'Bachelor' Contestant Cassie Randolph?," 16 Jan. 2019 Brigitte Hermanns used to be a fan of virgin coconut oil, using it as an eye makeup remover and a body moisturizer. — Lucy Craymer, WSJ, "Trouble in Paradise: Coconut Oil Prices Are Slipping and Sliding," 7 Jan. 2019 Manufacturing a product from recycled plastics is 87% more energy efficient than producing the same item with virgin materials. — Stacey Mckenna, Cincinnati.com, "Recycling is easier — and better for the environment — than you think," 5 July 2018 The ReNew collection is just the first step in the brand's journey towards going fully virgin plastic-free. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Everlane Debuts New Collection Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles," 25 Oct. 2018 Just last week, Everlane announced plans to eliminate all virgin plastic from its supply chain by the year 2021. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Burberry, H&M, L'Oreal and More Sign on to Address Global Plastic Crisis," 29 Oct. 2018 This spring, the teen girls of Blockers debated the future of their virgin status and took on their overbearing parents without a hint of Valley Girl whining. — Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY, "Why calling women 'strong female leads' is degrading," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'virgin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.