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

Womanizer Duo 2 $219 Lovehoney We-Vibe Sync 2 This toy can be worn during intercourse to provide the wearer with both internal and external stimulation. —Suzannah Weiss, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2024

Vaginal dryness and discomfort Painful intercourse Increased urinary or vaginal infections Loss of bladder tone leading to urinary incontinence Lower libido Bone loss. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Hegseth told police that the pair had consensual intercourse. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024

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