intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
1
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person
anal intercourse
oral intercourse
especially : sexual intercourse sense 1
heterosexual intercourse
2
: exchange especially of thoughts or feelings : communion
3
: connection or dealings between persons or groups

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse
Recent Examples on the Web Unlike birth control, an emergency contraception pill is taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse to be the most effective. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2024 The accuser, Sarah Ransome, describes in the documents footage of a friend having intercourse with Clinton and the royal. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024 The woman also claimed that Brand removed a condom during intercourse without her knowledge in a separate incident. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 16 Sep. 2023 Pregnant people with certain pregnancy complications, such as placenta previa and medical issues that increase the risk of preterm labor, should avoid intercourse altogether. Parents Editors, Parents, 16 Dec. 2023 In her complaint, Auguste alleges that Diplo recorded the intercourse on his cell phone without consent and ejaculated inside of her without consent. Carly Lewis, Pitchfork, 6 Dec. 2023 Still, the moments after intercourse are vital to your relationship, believe it or not. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Nov. 2023 Besson, whose rape charge was dismissed in June, and Polanski, who was charged in 1977 with raping a 13-year-old girl in California and pleaded guilty to unlawful intercourse with a minor before fleeing the country, received similarly short ovations, according to Deadline. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2023 If any prolonged issues—such as painful intercourse or urinary incontinence—have not cleared up by one year, talk with an OB-GYN or health care provider, and be sure to reach out to a provider with any additional questions, concerns, or worries about your postpartum experience. Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intercurse, probably from Middle French entrecours, from Medieval Latin intercursus, from Latin, act of running between, from intercurrere to run between, from inter- + currere to run — more at car

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercourse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intercourse

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

intercourse

noun
in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)rs
1
: dealings between persons or groups : relations
2
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one individual
especially : sexual intercourse

Medical Definition

intercourse

noun
1
: connection or dealings between persons or groups
2
: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person
anal intercourse
oral intercourse
especially : sexual intercourse sense 1
heterosexual intercourse

More from Merriam-Webster on intercourse

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