intercourse

noun

in·​ter·​course ˈin-tər-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
Synonyms of intercoursenext
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 of intercourse

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Examples of intercourse in a Sentence

the unspoken rules of social intercourse
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.
The two counts of rape Høiby was convicted of did not involve intercourse. — Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 15 June 2026 With Tim, Martha hadn’t often come during intercourse. — Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026 Lovelace O’Neal was transfixed by the idea of how much water the massive creatures would displace when engaging in intercourse. — News Desk, Artforum, 15 May 2026 The bigger concern usually isn’t intercourse. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intercourse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intercourse was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing intercourse

Rhymes for intercourse

See All Rhymes for intercourse

Browse Nearby Words

intercouple
intercourse
intercranial
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

intercourse

noun
in·​ter·​course ˈint-ər-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
-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 How to pronounce intercourse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on intercourse

Nglish: Translation of intercourse for Spanish Speakers

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