English Vocabulary for Sexuality: Anatomy, Practices, and Expressions
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Sexuality encompasses all aspects of sexual behavior, feelings, and identity observed in the living world. It also includes the various ways individuals experience and express their sexual satisfaction.
How do we talk about anatomy, physiology, sexual orientations, activities, protection, and reproduction in English?
Here’s a helpful vocabulary guide by ISpeakSpokeSpoken for English learners—plus, a few expressions to use with caution around children!
Anatomy and Physiology
Body part
Description
breasts
Soft tissue on the chest, typically more developed in females, majorly used for breastfeeding.
clitoris
A sensitive part of the female genitalia, important for sexual pleasure.
ejaculation
The release of semen from the male body, often occurring during orgasm.
erection
The hardening of the penis due to increased blood flow, often in response to sexual arousal.
fallopian tubes
Tubes in the female reproductive system that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
libido
A person’s desire or drive for sexual activity, also known as sex drive.
ovary
A reproductive organ in females that produces eggs and releases hormones.
penis
The male external reproductive organ, involved in urination and sexual activity.
prostate
A gland in the male reproductive system that produces fluids that nourish sperm.
sperm
Male reproductive cells that can fertilize a female’s egg, leading to pregnancy.
testicles
Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones, like testosterone.
uterus
A muscular organ in females where a fertilized egg can develop into a fetus.
vagina
The muscular canal in the female body that connects the external genitals to the uterus.
vulva
The external part of the female genitalia, including the labia and clitoris.
Examples
Sentence
Meaning
He has an erection.
Refers to a male experiencing a physical reaction to arousal, where the penis becomes firm.
His libido has decreased with age.
Describes how a person’s sexual desire or drive may lessen as they get older.
The clitoris is a part of the female genitalia that is highly sensitive.
Explains that the clitoris, a part of the female anatomy, is very sensitive and plays a role in sexual pleasure.
The prostate is a small gland that plays a role in male sexual function.
Refers to the prostate gland, which helps produce fluids that are part of semen.
The vagina is an internal sex organ.
Indicates that the vagina is an internal part of the female reproductive system.
Sexual Orientations & Gender Identities
Term
Description
asexual
A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction.
bisexual
A person who is attracted to more than one gender, typically both men and women.
cisgender
A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
gay
A person, typically a man, who is attracted to people of the same gender.
gender fluid
A person whose gender identity may change over time or depend on circumstances.
heterosexual
A person whose gender identity may change over time or depend on circumstances.
homosexual
A person who is attracted to people of the same gender (can refer to both gay men and lesbians).
intersex
A person born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
lesbian
A woman who is attracted to other women.
non-binary
A person whose gender identity does not fit within the traditional categories of male or female.
pansexual
A person who is attracted to others regardless of gender.
queer
An umbrella term for a range of sexual orientations and gender identities that are not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.
straight
Another term for heterosexual, describing someone attracted to the opposite gender.
transgender
A person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Example Sentences
Sentence
Meaning
He identifies as homosexual.
Describes someone who feels a romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same gender.
He’s cisgender, which means his gender identity matches the sex he was assigned at birth.
Describes a person whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex.
Intersex people are born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical male or female bodies.
Explains that intersex people may have variations in sex characteristics that don’t align with traditional male or female traits.
The transgender community continues to fight for rights and recognition.
Refers to the ongoing efforts of transgender individuals to achieve equality and acceptance.
They are a heterosexual couple.
Describes a romantic couple where each partner is attracted to the opposite gender.
Sexual Relationships & Activities
Term
Meaning
affair
A romantic or sexual relationship outside of one’s primary relationship, often kept secret.
attraction
The feeling of being drawn to someone romantically or sexually.
cunnilinctus
Oral stimulation of the female genitalia.
fellatio
Oral stimulation of the male genitalia.
fetish
A strong sexual fixation on a particular object, body part, or activity.
foreplay
Intimate touching or acts performed before sexual intercourse to increase arousal.
infidelity
Engaging in romantic or sexual activities with someone other than one’s partner, considered a breach of trust.
intercourse
Sexual activity that typically involves penetration.
kiss
Pressing one’s lips against someone else’s as a gesture of affection or sexual interest.
masturbation
Self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure.
partner
A person with whom one shares a romantic or sexual relationship.
polyamory
Engaging in consensual relationships with multiple partners, often based on transparency and mutual respect.
Examples
Sentence
Meaning
Foreplay is an important part of sex.
Engaging in consensual relationships with multiple partners, often based on transparency and mutual respect.
Masturbation is a normal part of human sexuality.
Describes self-pleasure as a common, healthy aspect of sexuality.
Some people have a fetish for certain objects or acts.
Explains that some individuals have heightened attraction to specific objects or activities.
They had intercourse for the first time.
Refers to two people engaging in sexual activity for the first time together.
They have a polyamorous relationship.
Describes a relationship involving multiple romantic or sexual partners with everyone’s consent.
Protection & Sexual Health
Term
Meaning
condom
A protective sheath used during sex to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
gynecologist
A doctor specializing in female reproductive health.
herpes
A common viral infection that can be sexually transmitted, causing sores on the mouth or genitals.
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which affects the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
A common viral infection that can affect skin and mucous membranes, sometimes leading to cancer.
lubricant
A gel or liquid used to reduce friction during sexual activity, increasing comfort.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Medication taken to prevent HIV infection in people at high risk.
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Infections transmitted through sexual contact, including HIV, herpes, and chlamydia.
Examples
Sentence
Meaning
He put on a condom before having sex.
Describes using a condom to prevent pregnancy and reduce STI risk.
Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection.
Explains herpes as a widespread STI that can cause sores.
PrEP is used to prevent HIV infection.
Indicates that PrEP is taken as a preventive measure for HIV.
Regular testing for HIV is important.
Emphasizes the importance of regular HIV testing for health.
They were educated about sexually transmitted diseases.
Refers to learning about STDs and how to prevent them. informés sur les maladies sexuellement transmissibles.
Reproduction
Term
Meaning
abortion
The termination of a pregnancy, either medically or surgically.
contraception / birth control
Methods to prevent pregnancy, such as condoms or birth control pills.
egg
The female reproductive cell, which can be fertilized by sperm to create an embryo.
embryo
The early stage of development of a fertilized egg, before it becomes a fetus.
emergency contraceptive pill / morning-after pill
Medication taken shortly after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
fertility test
Medical tests to assess the ability to conceive.
fetus
The developing baby in the womb after the embryonic stage.
menstruation
The monthly cycle in females when the uterus sheds its lining if pregnancy has not occurred.
pregnancy
The period during which a baby grows inside a woman’s womb.
pregnancy test
A test to determine if a woman is pregnant, usually by detecting a hormone in the urine.
sterilization
A permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy, such as vasectomy or tubal ligation.
surrogate
A person who carries and delivers a baby for another individual or couple.
Examples
Sentence
Meaning
Menstruation is a natural part of the female reproductive cycle.
Describes menstruation as a regular, normal process in the female body.
She bought a pregnancy test from the pharmacy.
Refers to a test that detects pregnancy.
She decided to get an abortion.
Indicates a decision to end a pregnancy.
She took a fertility test at the clinic.
Refers to testing to determine if she can conceive.
The fetus is protected inside the womb.
Describes the fetus as developing safely within the uterus.
Common Informal Sexual Expressions
In English, the expressions have sex, sleep together, and make love are widely accepted ways to talk about sexual relations. However, several slang terms also exist, often with a more casual or explicit tone! Here are some common terms
Slang terms for sex
In English, the verb to have sex has several vulgar translations:
to fuck – A very explicit term, often used casually or aggressively.
to screw – Informal, slightly less explicit than to fuck.
to bang – Casual slang, often suggesting intensity or casualness.
to shag – Common in British slang, informal and a bit cheeky.
to bonk – British slang, playful and informal.
Slang terms for the male genitalia
There are also numerous slang terms for the male genitalia, ranging from mild to highly explicit:
cock – Very common and explicit.
prick – Often used as an insult, referring to the male anatomy.
dick – One of the most commonly used terms, often informal but explicit.
Slang Terms for the Female Genitalia
Similarly, slang terms exist for the female genitalia, with some terms seen as more offensive than others:
pussy – Widely used slang, explicit but common.
muff – Less common, somewhat milder.
cunt – Highly offensive in most contexts, though sometimes used casually in British English.
fanny – In British English, this refers to the female genitalia, but in American English, it means buttocks and is not offensive.
Other English expressions related to sex
Expression
Meaning
dirty talk
Sexual or provocative language used to arouse a partner.
doggy style
A sexual position where one partner is behind the other.
group sex / gang bang / orgy
Sexual activities involving multiple people; group sex is a general term, while gang bang often implies multiple people engaging with one individual, and orgy refers to a more casual, consensual group setting.
to do a sixty-nine / 69
A sexual position where two partners orally stimulate each other simultaneously.
