virgin
13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for virgin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who has never had sex.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A person who has never had sex.
“He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen.”
Opposites
How to use virgin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a virgin forest
virgin olive oil
a virgin cocktail
lose one's virginity
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English virgine, which derived from Old French virgine, itself from Latin virginem, the accusative form of virgō. It is a doublet of Virgo, and displaced the native Old English word fǣmne.
Full origin of virgin →Frequently asked questions
What does “virgin” mean?
The word “virgin” means a person who has never had sex. In plain terms, someone who hasn't had sex, or, as an adjective, something untouched, unspoiled, or (for drinks) alcohol-free.
How do you pronounce “virgin”?
“Virgin” is pronounced VURD-zhihn (/ˈvɝd͡ʒɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “virgin” in a sentence?
Here is “virgin” used in a sentence: “He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen.”
What is another word for “virgin”?
Words with a similar meaning to “virgin” include maid and unicorn bait.
What part of speech is “virgin”?
Depending on how it is used, “virgin” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “virgin” a common word?
“Virgin” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “virgin” have?
“Virgin” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who has never had sex.
What is the difference between "virgin" as a noun and as an adjective?
As a noun, "virgin" refers to a person who has never had sex. As an adjective, it describes something not yet used, touched, or spoiled, as in "virgin forest," "virgin snow," or "virgin territory."
What are common phrases that use "virgin" as an adjective?
Common collocations include "virgin forest," "virgin snow," "virgin territory," and "virgin wool." In each, "virgin" carries the sense of something fresh, untouched, or in its natural, unspoiled state.
When is "Virgin" capitalized?
"The Virgin" or "the Blessed Virgin" is capitalized when it is used as a religious title for Mary. The lowercase "virgin" is used for the general noun and adjective meanings.
