copulate

[ verb kop-yuh-leyt; adjective kop-yuh-lit ]

verb (used without object)

, cop·u·lat·ed, cop·u·lat·ing.

1. to engage in sexual intercourse.

adjective

1. connected; joined.

copulate

/ ˈkɒpjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. intr to perform sexual intercourse

Derived Forms

• ˈcopulatory, adjective
• ˌcopuˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• cop·u·la·to·ry [kop, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of copulate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin cōpulātus bound together. See copula, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of copulate¹

C17: from Latin copulāre to join together; see copula