anal intercourse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowmedical/legal/formal
Quick answer
What does “anal intercourse” mean?
Sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
A specific form of sexual penetration; a type of sexual intercourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The term is used identically in formal contexts.
Connotations
Clinical, detached, precise. Often carries a legal or medical weight.
Frequency
Equally infrequent in general conversation in both varieties, reserved for specific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “anal intercourse” in a Sentence
engage in anal intercoursepractise anal intercourseanal intercourse (with someone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anal intercourse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The couple practised anal intercourse.
American English
- The partners engaged in anal intercourse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, public health, sociological, and legal research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare in polite everyday conversation; colloquialisms are preferred.
Technical
Standard term in medical textbooks, legal statutes, and sexual health literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anal intercourse”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anal intercourse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anal intercourse”
- Incorrect: 'anal intercourse with a woman' (contextually ambiguous; clarifies type of intercourse). Correct: 'anal intercourse'.
- Using in inappropriate informal settings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not impolite, but it is clinical and formal. In casual settings, it can sound overly technical or blunt.
They are synonymous. 'Anal intercourse' is slightly more formal and clinical, while 'anal sex' is the more common term even in semi-formal contexts.
It is acceptable if the topic of the exam (e.g., a medical or legal essay) justifies its use. In general English exams, it is advisable to use it only if directly relevant to a set question, as it is a sensitive topic.
Yes, many exist in slang (e.g., 'backdoor', 'Greek'). In polite conversation, people might use vague phrases like 'that kind of intimacy' or simply avoid specifying.
Sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
Anal intercourse is usually medical/legal/formal in register.
Anal intercourse: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.nəl ˈɪn.tə.kɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.nəl ˈɪn.t̬ɚ.kɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'anal intercourse' MOST appropriately used?