-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌma-stər-ˈbā-shən
: 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
Sherman also suggests making a masturbation self-care routine that works for you.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 15 May 2024
Nonetheless, it was called the Mitsubishi Montero in Spanish-speaking countries because Pajero is a Spanish slang word for masturbation.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 12 May 2024
Among the film’s most infamous images: the possessed’s spinning head, gangrenous flesh, and levitating body, as well as a masturbation sequence that remains controversial 50 years later.
—Erik Morse, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2024
Examples cited in his indictment: a (relatively tame) masturbation scene, an obligatory YA love triangle, and a ridiculously hot Nostradamus.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
A bit of public masturbation by a gravesite, rendered in dim blue light as Turturro faces away from the audience, with a splatter of ejaculate rendered through projections (by Alex Basco Koch), gets a few predictable titters from the audience but never feels as edgy as it’s presumably meant to.
—Vulture, 2 Nov. 2023
While Nick's character is a late-bloomer, Andrew is, well, fully bloomed, spending a lot of time dealing with an overactive imagination, out-of-control hormones, and a favorite new pastime called...masturbation.
—Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024
Less Than Males? Data from Brindle’s overview seems to suggest that female masturbation is less common than male masturbation.
—Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023
There are jokes about the crucifixion and masturbation.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masturbation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1603, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near masturbation
Cite this Entry
“Masturbation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masturbation. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: sexual stimulation of especially one's own genital organs by bodily contact apart from sexual intercourse and usually by use of the hand
masturbate
verb
ˈmas-tər-ˌbāt
Medical Definition
masturbation
noun
mas·tur·ba·tion
ˌmas-tər-ˈbā-shən
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share