eroticism

noun

erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
1
: an erotic theme or quality
2
: a state of sexual arousal
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire
eroticist noun

Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films an actress known for her smoldering eroticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But a film that’s primarily selling eroticism, packed with club beats and the occasionally homoerotic visual gag? Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Mishima’s morbid eroticism gave his best novels their peculiar power. Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 And there are more examples of eroticism in early Balkan folk vampire lore. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024 But that doesn’t mean that The Room Next Door is lacking in eroticism or tenderness. James Factora, Them, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eroticism 

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eroticism was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near eroticism

Cite this Entry

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eroticism. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

eroticism

noun
erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
1
: the arousal of or the attempt to arouse sexual feeling by means of suggestion, symbolism, or allusion (as in an art form)
2
: a state of sexual arousal or anticipation (as from stimulation of erogenous zones)
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire

More from Merriam-Webster on eroticism

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