English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

fornicate

FAW-nih-kayt

Fornicate (verb) means to have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

verb

1

To have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

"The old law forbade unmarried couples to fornicate."

How to use fornicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal or old-fashioned word for having sex, often used in a moral or religious context.

When to use it

Mostly used in religious, legal, or formal writing rather than everyday speech.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like fornicate.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more fornicate comparative, fornicated past tense, fornicates singular, most fornicate superlative

Test yourself on “fornicate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

From Latin fornicari, from fornix, "an arch or vaulted passageway" — a word also used for brothels, since prostitutes in ancient Rome often waited for clients under archways.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for fornicate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for fornicate →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of fornicate?

"fornicate" (verb) means to have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

How do you use fornicate in a sentence?

Example: "The old law forbade unmarried couples to fornicate."

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial