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

In October 2024, Marshall pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting, counseling or procuring intercourse with an animal; three counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image; and seven counts of making indecent photographs of children. —Kc Baker, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

Once the period was over, the couples could have intercourse, after which the team collected and sequenced a new batch of genital microbiome samples. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025

Below are details of the likelihood of pregnancy from vaginal intercourse or artificial insemination. —Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

This is true to the moment onscreen: The intercourse itself lasts about 10 seconds. —Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for intercourse

• counterforce
• nonrecourse
• reinforce
• watercourse
• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse

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