virgin

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noun vir·gin \ ˈvər-jən \

Definition of virgin

1 a :a person who has not had sexual intercourse

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

2 a :an unmarried woman devoted to religion

b capitalized :virgo

3 a :an absolutely chaste young woman

b :an unmarried girl or woman

4 capitalized :virgin mary

5 :a female animal that has never copulated

See virgin defined for English-language learners

See virgin defined for kids

Examples of virgin in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of virgin from the Web

Late-summer chop Combine 2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

— martha stewart, star-telegram, "Martha’s projects tackle headboards, backpacks and savory snacks," 26 Aug. 2017
To wit, this cardigan is handmade in Italy from Scottish virgin wool and knit in a seemingly haphazard colorful geometric pattern that's, naturally, planned out to the last centimeter.

— jim moore, GQ, "20 Fall Style Staples To Buy Now (Before Fall Actually Arrives)," 22 Aug. 2017
Stir in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon vinegar; season with salt.

— michael austin, chicagotribune.com, "French wines with an Italian bread salad? Of course!," 2 Aug. 2017
A simple vinaigrette of fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil dresses the salad.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Lettuce not included: These summer salads showcase veggies, fruits and grains," 18 July 2017
With motor running, slowly pour in 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil.

— leah eskin, chicagotribune.com, "Corn pudding recipe transfers fresh, crisp kernels into rich, creamy goodness," 18 July 2017
She’s friends with Genevra (Kate Micucci), a virgin hiding a dark secret about her religious history.

— rick bentley, idahostatesman, "‘Little Hours’ shows nothing’s sacred," 13 July 2017
When shopping for a new head of hair, look for 100 percent human hair, either European virgin or Remy strands.

— lindsay colameo, Allure, "The 10 Best Tape-In Hair Extensions & Why They Work for Everyone," 13 July 2017
In addition to queso, the company is also testing virgin and alcoholic margaritas and a mixed-greens salad with avocado vinaigrette.

— beth kowitt, Fortune, "Chipotle Is Testing ‘Natural’ Queso," 10 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of virgin

Middle English, from Anglo-French virgine, from Latin virgin-, virgo young woman, virgin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

virgin Synonyms

Synonyms

abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro, beginner

Antonyms

old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Related Words

boot; amateur, dabbler, dilettante; learner, student, trainee; candidate, entrant, probationer

Near Antonyms

expert, master, pro, professional

virgin

adjective

Definition of virgin

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

4 a (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

See virgin defined for English-language learners

Examples of virgin in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of virgin from the Web

Michaelangelo's Bistro, 550 Westfield Rd, Noblesville — Margherita: extra virgin olive oil, Indiana tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella.

— chris sims, Indianapolis Star, "Indy Pizza Week deals for your taste buds, wallet and soul," 14 Aug. 2017
For best results, stock the door with a pound of butter ($4), two bottles of salad dressing ($5), a bottle of orange juice ($4), a bottle of apple juice ($4.50), extra virgin olive oil ($8), and a case of bottled water ($9).

— jodi o'connell, Philly.com, "How much does it cost to stock the typical family refrigerator?," 6 Aug. 2017
The women recommend consuming extra virgin olive oil daily.

— maria l. la ganga, idahostatesman, "Want to prevent Alzheimer’s? Two Idahoans share a nutritious strategy in cookbook.," 5 Aug. 2017
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, and finish with extra virgin olive oil.

— ana calderone, PEOPLE.com, "Geoffrey Zakarian’s Grapefruit and Avocado Salad Will Transport You to Paris," 3 Aug. 2017
Think avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and nut and seed butters.

— cynthia sass, mph, Health.com, "The Plant-Based Foods You Should Eat Less," 27 July 2017
The virgin bride in the story is more self-aware and more eager than the usual fairytale protagonist.

— maggie doherty, New Republic, "Fairytales Punish the Curious," 18 July 2017
Other dishes at the Spain marketplace include paella with shrimp, mussels, chicken and chorizo along with seafood salad with shrimp, bay scallops and mussels, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "First look: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival," 14 July 2017
At Motorino, they are soaked in extra virgin olive oil, mixed with smoked pancetta and strewn about that heavenly crust.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink in New York City," 30 June 2017

First Known Use of virgin

14th century

virgin Synonyms

Synonyms

maiden, virginal

Antonyms

deflowered

Related Words

chaste, modest, pure, vestal; innocent, untouched; abstinent, celibate, continent; unmarried, unwed

Near Antonyms

blemished, broken, bruised, damaged, defaced, defiled, disfigured, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, marred, soiled, sullied, tainted; faded, shopworn, used, well-worn, worn; contaminated, polluted, spoiled; hand-me-down, second hand

Virgin

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geographical name Vir·gin \ ˈvər-jən \

Definition of Virgin

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

VIRGIN Defined for English Language Learners

virgin

play

noun

Definition of virgin for English Language Learners

: a person who has not had sexual intercourse
: a person who does not have experience in a particular activity, job, etc.

virgin

adjective

Definition of virgin for English Language Learners

: never having had sexual intercourse
: not changed from a natural or original condition : not affected by human activity
of olive oil : obtained from the first light pressing of olives

VIRGIN Defined for Kids

virgin

play

noun vir·gin \ ˈvər-jən \

Definition of virgin for Students

:a person who has not had sexual intercourse

virgin

adjective

Definition of virgin for Students

:not yet disturbed or changed by human activity

virgin forests

Medical Dictionary

virgin

play

noun vir·gin \ ˈvər-jən \

medical Definition of virgin

:one who has not had sexual intercourse

virgin

adjective

medical Definition of virgin

:not affected or altered by previous use or exposure (as to an antigen) :naive

virgin B cells

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See words that rhyme with virgin Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for virgin Spanish Central: Translation of virgin Nglish: Translation of virgin for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of virgin for Arabic speakers

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virgin

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virgin

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virgin

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virgin

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Medical Dictionary

virgin

medical Definition of virgin

virgin

medical Definition of virgin

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