genitals

plural noun

gen·​i·​tals ˈje-nə-tᵊlz How to pronounce genitals (audio)
: the sexual or reproductive organs located on the outside of the body : genitalia
Frontal male nudity, however, doesn't sit too well with the Motion Picture Association of America. Excessive shots of male genitals almost always ensure an NC-17 rating …Ryan Murphy
Symptoms of infection include discharges from the penis or vagina and burning and itching of the genitals.C. Brownlee

Examples of genitals in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It is caused by the bacteria Niesseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect the mucous membranes in the genitals, rectum, throat and eyes. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Jan. 2023 Around that time, several right-wing social media influencers accused Boston Children’s Hospital of performing surgeries on the genitals of gender nonconforming patients under 18, The Washington Post reported. Dallas News, 5 Dec. 2022 Officials found a video depicting the genitals of a young boy, who appears to be a 5 to 7-year-old of Asian descent, according to the statement. Sofia Saric, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Oct. 2022 Research from the University of Texas proves that 20 minutes of walking or running on a treadmill increases heart rate and blood flow in all organs, including the genitals. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 Sep. 2022 The virus can also cause a rash of blisters around the genitals, hands and mouth, according to the CDC. al, 14 Aug. 2022 But Ohio’s General Assembly otherwise proceeded at a breakneck pace this past spring—debating a bill enabling the inspection of the genitals of transgender student athletes, and passing a raft of legislation about guns. Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, 6 Aug. 2022 The massacre at Olenivka coincides horribly with the release of an atrocious video on Telegram depicting a Russian soldier mutilating the genitals of a Ukrainian POW while two other soldiers watch. Sebastien Roblin, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 The woman reportedly told police Hurry had restrained her and whipped her genitals at one point, according to KPHO. Erin Pflaumer, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genitals.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genitals was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near genitals

Cite this Entry

“Genitals.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genitals. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

genitals

noun plural
gen·​i·​tals ˈjen-ə-tᵊlz How to pronounce genitals (audio)

Medical Definition

genitals

noun plural
gen·​i·​tals ˈjen-ə-tᵊlz How to pronounce genitals (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on genitals

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!