perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea ˌper-ə-ˈnē-ə 

: an area between the thighs that marks the approximate lower boundary of the pelvis and is occupied by the urinary and genital ducts and rectum

also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia

perineal

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əl 

adjective

Examples of perineum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other myths, such as how tanning your perineum can boost energy and balance hormones, or how eliminating seed oils from your diet will protect you from the sun, have also fed into Gen Z tanning culture. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

It's been studied for diabetic foot ulcers, surgical incisions to the perineum during childbirth (episiotomies), and abscesses.1 Manuka honey is your best bet for wound care. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026

Ultimately, the muscle that pairs with the diaphragm to regulate our deepest, slowest breathing is at the very base of the hara—the perineum on the pelvic floor. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Feb. 2026

Cycling concentrates your body weight on the perineum, where the pudendal nerve, key blood vessels and the pelvic floor muscles all travel. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin perinaion, from Greek, from peri- + inan to empty out; perhaps akin to Sanskrit iṣṇāti he sets in motion

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um

variants also perinaeum

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea also perinaea -ˈnē-ə 

: an area of tissue that marks externally the approximate boundary of the pelvic outlet and gives passage to the urogenital ducts and rectum

also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia especially in the female