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.
As part of his teaching, the court heard that Westwood talked to one teenager, who was raped, about a masturbation scene from Bridgerton. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 Regarding sexuality, Mangione called for banning masturbation devices, specifically mentioning products sold at Don Quijote, a popular discount store chain known for its adult toy sections. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 Movie masturbation scenes also highlight our culture’s hypocritical double standard. Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024 Call Me by Your Name intersects both of these concepts in an instantly iconic masturbation scene. Caroline Madden, Vulture, 8 July 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near masturbation

Cite this Entry

“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on masturbation

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