masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən 

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital (see genital sense 2) organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual (see manual entry 1 sense 1) or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation (see manipulate sense 1), occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

Examples of masturbation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

A bit of public masturbation by a gravesite, rendered in dim blue light as Turturro faces away from the audience, with a splatter of ejaculate rendered through projections (by Alex Basco Koch), gets a few predictable titters from the audience but never feels as edgy as it’s presumably meant to. —Vulture, 2 Nov. 2023

While Nick's character is a late-bloomer, Andrew is, well, fully bloomed, spending a lot of time dealing with an overactive imagination, out-of-control hormones, and a favorite new pastime called...masturbation. —Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024

Less Than Males? Data from Brindle’s overview seems to suggest that female masturbation is less common than male masturbation. —Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023

There are jokes about the crucifixion and masturbation. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2024

The Handy, a motorized device that moves up and down to mimic masturbation for people with penises, is certainly the flashier of the two. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Jan. 2024

Another hypothesis that Brindle is still analyzing is masturbation could be a signal to help animals display their vigor and attractiveness. —Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023

In 1991, Reubens was charged with public masturbation after he allegedly was caught in the act in a Sarasota, Florida, movie theater. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023

No matter your masturbation or partnered play needs, the best dildos are basically guaranteed to get you off. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 19 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən 

: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand

masturbate

ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt

verb

Medical Definition

masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən 

: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies