eroticism

noun

erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
Synonyms of eroticismnext
1
: an erotic theme or quality
2
: a state of sexual arousal
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire
eroticist
i-ˈrä-tə-sist How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
noun

Synonyms of eroticism

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Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films an actress known for her smoldering eroticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In response, a slew of artists embraced a kind of baroque eroticism. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 There were few photographers who worked with gay male eroticism in any serious or direct way at the time. — Andrew Durbin, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026 In the dark comedy Maddie’s Secret, Early dissects the odd eroticism of online food content. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026 Equally important was resisting a reductive reading of eroticism as merely explicit. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for eroticism

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eroticism was in 1881

Rhymes for eroticism

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Browse Nearby Words

erotica
eroticism
eroticize
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Cite this Entry

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eroticism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

eroticism

noun
erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
1
: the arousal of or the attempt to arouse sexual feeling by means of suggestion, symbolism, or allusion (as in an art form)
2
: a state of sexual arousal or anticipation (as from stimulation of erogenous zones)
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire

More from Merriam-Webster on eroticism

Nglish: Translation of eroticism for Spanish Speakers

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