clitoris: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical, Formal, Informal (in appropriate contexts)
Quick answer
What does “clitoris” mean?
A small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the front of the vulva, whose primary function is sexual pleasure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the front of the vulva, whose primary function is sexual pleasure.
In broader contexts, it can refer to the anatomical structure central to female sexual response, or metaphorically to female sexual pleasure or agency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally clinical/anatomical in both varieties. Cultural taboos surrounding the word are similar.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse, with comparable usage in medical/educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clitoris” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] clitorisStimulation of the clitoris[VERB] the clitorisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clitoris” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The clitoral hood protects the glans.
- She experienced clitoral arousal.
American English
- Clitoral stimulation is key for many women.
- The clitoral complex includes internal parts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological, medical, psychological, and gender studies texts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used in discussions about health, sexuality, or relationships.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, gynaecology, and sexology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clitoris”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clitoris”
- Misspelling: 'clitorus', 'clitoras'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the second syllable (/klɪˈtɔːrɪs/).
- Using in inappropriate formal or public contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the standard anatomical term. However, due to cultural taboos, it is often considered inappropriate for casual public discourse, unlike other anatomical terms.
Yes. The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers and protects the glans (head) of the clitoris.
No. The clitoris is a uniquely female organ. However, it is embryologically homologous to the male penis.
This has been a criticism of historical and some contemporary texts, often attributed to a historical focus on reproductive rather than sexual anatomy, and societal discomfort with female pleasure.
A small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the front of the vulva, whose primary function is sexual pleasure.
Clitoris is usually technical/medical, formal, informal (in appropriate contexts) in register.
Clitoris: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɪt(ə)rɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɪtərɪs/ /ˈklaɪtərɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLIT' for 'Central Lady's Intimate Tissue' + 'ORIS' sounding like 'origin' of pleasure.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CLITORIS IS A BUTTON/SWITCH (for sexual arousal).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary biological function of the clitoris?