missionary position

American  

[mish-uh-ner-ee puh-zish-uhn] / ˈmɪʃ ə nɛr i pəˌzɪʃ ən /

noun

1. a face-to-face sex position in which the person who is being penetrated lays flat on their back, while the person who is penetrating them lays on top of them.

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missionary position British  

noun

1. informal a position for sexual intercourse in which the man lies on top of the woman and they are face to face

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Etymology

Origin of missionary position

First recorded in 1945–50; so called because it was allegedly advocated by Christian missionaries working among Indigenous peoples

Example Sentences

Yoga is for telling strangers that you can do missionary position, and also, like, eight of the other ones.

From New York Times

The missionary position has a lot to commend it; we like to look at each other – partly to check in and make sure the other is OK, but mainly because it is a relationship activity.

From The Guardian

He gently picks her up in his legs, cradles her, and rolls her onto her back … and then in the missionary position they get busy.

From National Geographic

“I very quickly became an expert in the missionary position.”

From The Guardian

They may adopt the Church Lady posture if anyone mentions sex that doesn’t involve one man, one woman, the missionary position and a pulsing desire for more offspring.

From Salon