sexual intercourse

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl in-ter-kawrs] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl ˈɪn tərˌkɔrs /

noun

1. genital contact, especially the insertion of the penis into the vagina followed by orgasm; coitus; copulation.

2. a sex act that involves penetration of one person’s vagina, anus, or mouth by another person for the sexual gratification of one or both parties.

---

sexual intercourse British  

noun

1. the act carried out for procreation or for pleasure in which, typically, the insertion of the male's erect penis into the female's vagina is followed by rhythmic thrusting usually culminating in orgasm; copulation; coitus

---

Etymology

Origin of sexual intercourse

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

It can cause extreme pain during periods, sexual intercourse and bowel movements, as well as pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea and fatigue.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

From dawn to dusk, observant Muslims the world over will refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

The WHO defines infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system that is defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

From Reuters • Apr. 4, 2023

Dr. Lev-Sagie of Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem noted that the vaginal microbiome shifts substantially in response to menstruation, sexual intercourse, hormonal fluctuations and antibiotic use.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2022

Even supposing that an avaricious, ambitious, or timid man refrains from an excess of eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse, avarice, ambition, and fear are not therefore the opposites of voluptuousness, drunkenness, or lust.

From The Philosophy of Spinoza by Ratner, Joseph

Related Words

• cohabitation