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.
The young dog abducted from peaceful family life forced to sever neck and genital arteries reports his story flatly. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Volume loss in the genital area can also occur in the mons pubis and labia majora as subcutaneous fat recedes with treatment. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 What was meant to be a first cruise vacation turned into a medical emergency for a Louisiana woman who suffered a severe genital injury during a rope swing excursion in Honduras, according to her family and boyfriend. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Riccio explained police officers are not allowed to search a suspect's genital area without probable cause, a judge's approval, and medical supervision. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 4 May 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 14 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on genital

Nglish: Translation of genital for Spanish Speakers

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