masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən 

: 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

For many, this means exploring self-pleasure through masturbation. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

David Lee/Prime Video Erskine’s breakout show, PEN15, was filled with moments like that: farts, period blood, the joyous, terrifying world of masturbation. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2024

But there were a lot of conversations about masturbation in the movie. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Here’s how the procedure works: A sperm sample (from a partner or donor) is collected, usually through masturbation. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən 

: 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 

: 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