sexting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Journalistic, Modern, Digital
Quick answer
What does “sexting” mean?
The act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via digital devices, especially mobile phones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via digital devices, especially mobile phones.
A modern form of sexual communication and flirtation that occurs in digital spaces, which can carry legal and social risks for participants, especially minors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and usage are identical, though specific legal terminology regarding sexting and minors may differ by jurisdiction.
Connotations
Universally carries connotations of modern romance, risk, and potential for scandal, especially in relation to teenagers or public figures.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, given the global nature of digital communication trends.
Grammar
How to Use “sexting” in a Sentence
[subject] + was/were + sexting[subject] + got caught + sextingto engage in sextingthe dangers of sextinga case of sextingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were sexting for weeks before they actually met.
- He got into trouble for sexting a classmate.
American English
- They spent the night sexting each other.
- The principal warned students not to sext.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable/standard.
American English
- Not applicable/standard.
adjective
British English
- The sexting scandal was all over the papers.
- They had a sexting relationship for months.
American English
- The school implemented a strict sexting policy.
- He faced sexting charges as a minor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in HR policies regarding workplace conduct or cybersecurity training.
Academic
Used in sociology, psychology, media studies, and law papers discussing digital behaviour and adolescent development.
Everyday
Common in discussions about relationships, teenage behaviour, and news stories about scandals.
Technical
Used in legal contexts, digital forensics, and online safety education materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexting”
- Using it as a regular countable noun (e.g., 'a sexting' - incorrect).
- Confusing it with general flirting without explicit content.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on context. Among consenting adults, it is typically legal. However, it is illegal if it involves minors (child pornography laws), harassment, or non-consensual distribution ('revenge porn').
Yes, commonly. The verb is 'to sext' (present participle: sexting). For example, 'They sexted all evening.'
No. While often associated with explicit images ('nudes'), sexting also includes sexually suggestive or explicit text messages and videos.
No. 'Sexting' is an informal, modern blend word. In very formal writing (e.g., legal documents), more precise phrases like 'exchanging sexually explicit digital communications' might be used.
The act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via digital devices, especially mobile phones.
Sexting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A picture is worth a thousand regrets (colloquial warning about sexting)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SEX + TEXTING. You are sending a sexy text (or picture).
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IS A (RISKY) GIFT. The message/photo is a gift that can be treasured or weaponised.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary medium for sexting?