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

The executive order directs the Department of Justice to discourage doctors and hospitals from administering gender-affirming care to minors, characterizing it as genital mutilation, which is a heinous-sounding offense. —Elana Redfield, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025

Opponents of such policies have argued that a ban opens the door to intrusive genital examinations of girls, particularly those who do not fit stereotypical feminine appearances. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025

So, the researchers investigated the possibility of using the genital microbiome – the sexome – as an alternative. —Paul McClure 12, New Atlas, 12 Feb. 2025

The 13 Oscar nominations for Emilia Pérez prove that Biden-era Hollywood loves the Mexican drug cartels, genital mutilation, and the cult of trans terrorists that’s been reported only by social media investigative reporters. —Armond White, National Review, 5 Feb. 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