genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈje-nə-tᵊl 

1

: generative

2

: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ

3

: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency (see latency sense 3) period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms

genitally

ˈje-nə-tə-lē 

adverb

Examples of genital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gender-affirming genital surgeries are rare for minors, and the World Professional Association for Transgender health and the Endocrine Society do not recommend them for people younger than 18. —Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

The film explores the history of these medically unnecessary genital mutilation surgeries and their lasting psychological impact through the lens of Ambrose’s experience. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025

Research has connected phthalates with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025

Also, wash your genital area with warm water regularly. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin genitalis, from genitus, past participle of gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genital

• female genital mutilation
• genital herpes
• genital wart
• non-genital
• pre-genital

Rhymes for genital

• congenital
• subgenital
• urogenital

Kids Definition

genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl 

: of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

Medical Definition

genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl 

1

: generative

2

: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ

3

a

: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms

b

: of, relating to, or characterized by a personality in the genital stage of psychosexual development especially as typified by normal sexual desires and by concern for the happiness and pleasures of others compare anal sense 2, oral sense 3

genitally

-ē 

adverb