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

• commerce
• dealings
• interaction
• relation

Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse

Recent Examples on the Web

There is also no risk of the IUD being pushed out or dislodged during intercourse. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and infertility—though one in three people with the condition report having no symptoms.1 Unlike endometriosis, where the tissue grows outside the uterus, adenomyosis occurs within the uterine wall. —Jess Sims, Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Dear Eric: Without being graphic, there are so many ways to share intimacy without intercourse. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 12 Oct. 2024

In some cases, Greves adds, vaginal estrogen works best, especially among those experiencing painful intercourse. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024

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

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