anal sex: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (in general discourse), common in specific contexts (medical, legal, sex education).Technical, clinical, formal. Colloquial equivalents are far more common in informal speech.
Quick answer
What does “anal sex” mean?
A sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
A form of sexual intercourse, practiced by people of various sexual orientations, which may carry specific cultural, social, legal, and health implications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference for the term itself. The slang euphemisms and colloquialisms surrounding the act vary significantly by region.
Connotations
Equally clinical/connotatively neutral in both varieties when used in professional contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in polite general discourse in both regions. Its usage is largely confined to specific domains.
Grammar
How to Use “anal sex” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/practise/engage in + anal sex (+ with [Object])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anal sex” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to have anal sex.
- The pamphlet advises on how to practise anal sex safely.
American English
- The couple engaged in anal sex.
- The clinic provides information for people who have anal sex.
adjective
British English
- Anal sex practices vary.
- They discussed anal sex safety.
American English
- Anal sex education is important.
- There are specific anal sex health risks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare and inappropriate.
Academic
Used in medical, public health, sociological, and gender studies literature.
Everyday
Generally avoided in polite conversation; slang or euphemisms are preferred.
Technical
Standard term in medical, legal, and sex education contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anal sex”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anal sex”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anal sex”
- Misspelling as 'annel sex'. Using in inappropriate formal contexts where euphemism is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not rude but is considered bluntly clinical. In most social situations, people use euphemisms or slang to discuss the topic indirectly.
Not directly. It is a noun phrase. The verb phrases are 'have anal sex', 'engage in anal sex', or 'practise anal sex'.
'Anal sex' is a modern, descriptive, clinical term. 'Sodomy' is a historical/legal term, often with negative moral or religious connotations, and its definition can be broader.
Adult language learners may encounter it in medical, legal, or mature-content media. Understanding its precise meaning and register is important for accurate comprehension and appropriate usage.
A sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
Anal sex is usually technical, clinical, formal. colloquial equivalents are far more common in informal speech. in register.
Anal sex: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.nəl ˈseks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.nəl ˈseks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go Greek (slang)”
- “Take the back road (slang)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANAL SEX: 'Anal' points to the location, 'sex' denotes the activity.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEX IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'taking the back road').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'anal sex' most appropriately used?