genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈje-nə-tᵊl 

1

: generative

2

: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ

3

: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency (see latency sense 3) period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms

genitally

ˈje-nə-tə-lē 

adverb

Examples of genital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These violations, perpetrated primarily against Ukrainian prisoners of war, include genital violence such as electrocution, beatings and burns to the genitals, and forced stripping and prolonged nudity, used to humiliate and elicit confessions or information. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

But then, in April, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo that said the Justice Department would investigate doctors who provide transition care to minors under existing laws, including laws against genital mutilation. —Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2025

When a student comes in concerned about a genital rash, blisters, discharge or pain with urination, STI testing is part of the workup. —Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025

Saunders performed genital ultrasounds on men from his running group in his bedroom under the guise of heart scans. —Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin genitalis, from genitus, past participle of gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genital

• female genital mutilation
• genital herpes
• genital wart
• non-genital
• pre-genital

Rhymes for genital

• congenital
• subgenital
• urogenital

Kids Definition

genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl 

: of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

Medical Definition

genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl 

1

: generative

2

: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ

3

a

: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms

b

: of, relating to, or characterized by a personality in the genital stage of psychosexual development especially as typified by normal sexual desires and by concern for the happiness and pleasures of others compare anal sense 2, oral sense 3

genitally

-ē 

adverb