masturbation

noun

mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: 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
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.
Keep in mind, though, that masturbation is an option as mentioned earlier. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 Some people call that masturbation. — Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 The absurd part is that corruption and depravity are not crimes, and neither are adultery and masturbation. — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Diego primarily used the burner account to bookmark and like solo content and masturbation videos, and never posted. — Jason Parham, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masturbation

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masturbation was in 1603

Rhymes for masturbation

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Browse Nearby Words

masturbate
masturbation
masturbatory
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

masturbation

noun
mas·​tur·​ba·​tion ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce masturbation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on masturbation

Nglish: Translation of masturbation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about masturbation

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