missionary position

noun

: a coital position in which the female lies on her back with the male on top and with his face opposite hers

Examples of missionary position in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
How to do it: Start out in missionary position, but before the action begins, have your partner shift sideways so that their legs and chest form a cross with your body. Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 The ever-reliable missionary position, which caused 25% of the injuries. Natalie Gil, refinery29.com, 27 July 2023 Stuck in a missionary position rut? Dr. Nan Wise, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2021 Subjects reported intercourse duration of 2-25 min, intervening intervals of 1-240 h, pre-coital bathing intervals of 0.25-24 h, and predominantly missionary position (76%). Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 26 Aug. 2011 The missionary position no longer works for them — David has put on weight and would be too heavy. New York Times, 12 Jan. 2022 Many women with endometriosis find the missionary position painful, so that might be one to avoid. Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 6 May 2021 Who said the missionary position is only for straight couples? Sophie Saint Thomas, refinery29.com, 20 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

from the name given to the position by Trobriand islanders

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of missionary position was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near missionary position

Cite this Entry

“Missionary position.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missionary%20position. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

missionary position

noun
mis·​sion·​ary position ˈmish-ə-ˌner-ē-ˌ How to pronounce missionary position (audio)
: a coital position in which the female lies on her back with the male on top and with his face opposite hers
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