1
: of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus
an anal fin
2
psychoanalytic theory
a
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being the stage of psychosexual development which follows the oral stage (see oral entry 1 sense 3) and during which the child is concerned especially with his or her feces
b
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being personality traits (such as parsimony, meticulousness, and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
an anal disposition
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or preciseI have a mania for neatness in some matters that is almost anal.—
Joseph Heller
Joseph HellerExamples of anal in a Sentence
Adjective
He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Apr. 2025
Yet research has found a decline in awareness that HPV is linked with a number of cancers, including cervical, throat and anal.
—Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025
Her mom was diagnosed with anal cancer at age 73 and was treated with 5-FU.
—Ellen Matloff, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
But, the techniques, like actually tightening your anal sphincter muscle, does affect your heart response.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
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Adjective
Using a strap-on is a hot way to try anal play and switch up power dynamics.
—Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Apr. 2025
Yet research has found a decline in awareness that HPV is linked with a number of cancers, including cervical, throat and anal.
—Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025
Her mom was diagnosed with anal cancer at age 73 and was treated with 5-FU.
—Ellen Matloff, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
But, the techniques, like actually tightening your anal sphincter muscle, does affect your heart response.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anal
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anal. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anal
1 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or situated near the anus
the anal opening
anal fissures
2
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory that follows the oral stage and during which a child derives libidinal gratification from the expulsion and retention of the feces and conflict arises from parental demands regarding toilet training
During the anal stage, from about 18 months to 3 years, the sphincter muscles become sensitive and controllable and bowel and bladder retention and elimination become a source of gratification.—David G. Myers, Psychology
David G. Myers, Psychology
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits (as orderliness, frugality, and obstinacy) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise
compare genital sense 3, oral sense 3, phallic sense 2
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