genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈje-nə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
: generative
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency (see latency sense 3) period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
genitally
ˈje-nə-tə-lē How to pronounce genital (audio)
adverb

Examples of genital 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.
Washington state could require genital exams for girls in school athletics. — Annie Gowen, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Infection signs around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas also warrant attention, the agency added. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Other warning signs include open or enlarging wounds and infestations around an animal's nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 In rare cases, an overgrowth of this bacterium may lead to symptoms, like genital itching. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for genital

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin genitalis, from genitus, past participle of gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of genital was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing genital

Rhymes for genital

See All Rhymes for genital

Browse Nearby Words

genistin
genital
genital bulb
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Genital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genital. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
: of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

Medical Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
: generative
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by a personality in the genital stage of psychosexual development especially as typified by normal sexual desires and by concern for the happiness and pleasures of others compare anal sense 2, oral sense 3
genitally
-ē How to pronounce genital (audio)
adverb
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