masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital (see genital sense 2) organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual (see manual entry 1 sense 1) or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation (see manipulate sense 1), occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

Examples of masturbation in a Sentence

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.
There are sections on orgies and masturbation and voyeurism and how to behave in a porno theater. Dwight Garner, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 In February 2024, Bokhari and six other council members voted to re-criminalize multiple city ordinances, giving police the authority to issue criminal citations for offenses like public masturbation and possession of open containers, the Observer reported. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025 In the study, women's bedtimes were found to be delayed by around 40 minutes when engaging in masturbation than when going directly to sleep. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 At a cookout, the humiliating demise of Jesse’s Prayer Pods is the main topic of conversation, as malls and airports ultimately decided against having a solemn refuge for public masturbation. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masturbation

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masturbation was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

masturbation

noun
mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
masturbate
ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt
verb

Medical Definition

masturbation

noun
mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, occasionally by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies

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