intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs 

1

: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

especially : sexual intercourse sense 1

heterosexual intercourse

2

: exchange especially of thoughts or feelings : communion

3

: connection or dealings between persons or groups

Synonyms

• interaction
• relation

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse

Recent Examples on the Web

Urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse, frequency of urination, difficulty evacuating, constipation, a feeling of pelvic blockage, and perineal, vaginal, or anal pain. —Mónica Heras, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2025

The most common signs of the condition are painful period cramps, pain during intercourse or while urinating, more frequent urination, back pain, nausea, vomiting and bloating. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The virus can also spread during close skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

Menopausal declines in estrogen also may cause vaginal dryness, decreased libido and discomfort during intercourse. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intercurse, probably from Middle French entrecours, from Medieval Latin intercursus, from Latin, act of running between, from intercurrere to run between, from inter- + currere to run — more at car

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing intercourse

• sexual intercourse

Rhymes for intercourse

• counterforce
• nonrecourse
• reinforce
• watercourse
• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse

Kids Definition

intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs 

-ˌkȯ(ə)rs

1

: dealings between persons or groups : relations

2

: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one individual

especially : sexual intercourse

Medical Definition

intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs, -ˌkȯ(ə)rs 

1

: connection or dealings between persons or groups

2

: physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

especially : sexual intercourse sense 1

heterosexual intercourse