noun Uncommon

adultery

uh-DUHL-tuh-ree

Adultery (noun) means Sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Example: “He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings.”

noun

Sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

"He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings."

"Adultery remains grounds for divorce in many jurisdictions."

How to use adultery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCheating on your husband or wife.

Common mistake

Not related in origin to the word "adult," even though it looks similar.

Easily confused with

fornication →

Common pairings

commit adultery accused of adultery

Word forms

adulteries plural

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

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was accused of _____ during the divorce proceedings.

Etymology

From Old French adultere, from Latin adulterium, from adulterare ("to corrupt, defile"). Despite the visual similarity, it is not related to "adult."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

advowtry

Rhymes for adultery

very every fiery query leery emery artery celery bakery finery ornery misery

See all rhymes for adultery →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of adultery?

"adultery" (noun) means sexual activity between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

What is another word for adultery?

Other words for "adultery" include advowtry.

How do you use adultery in a sentence?

Example: "He was accused of adultery during the divorce proceedings."

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include adultery:

Words with Latin origins