adj
Common
anal
AY-nuhl
Anal (adj) means relating to or involving the anus. Example: “The doctor examined the anal area for signs of irritation.”
adj
1
Relating to or involving the anus.
"The doctor examined the anal area for signs of irritation."
2
Excessively focused on neatness, order, or small details; fussy and controlling (informal, short for "anal-retentive").
"He’s so anal about his desk that he lines up his pens by colour."
"She got anal about the seating chart for the wedding."
How to use anal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "related to the anus," or informally, "obsessively fussy about details."
When to use it
The "fussy" sense is informal and can sound blunt or slightly rude — use with care in professional settings.
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Word forms
- Plural
- anals
- Third person singular
- anals
- Past tense
- analed, analled
- Comparative
- more anal
- Superlative
- most anal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor examined the _____ area for signs of irritation.
Etymology
From Latin analis, from anus. The personality sense is shortened from the Freudian term "anal-retentive."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for anal
See all rhymes for anal →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'anal' and 'anal-retentive'?
They mean the same thing; 'anal' is simply the shortened, more casual form of 'anal-retentive'. Both describe a person who is overly concerned with tidiness, order, and minor details.
Is 'anal' meaning fussy formal or informal?
This sense of 'anal' is informal and can sound crude, so it is best kept to casual conversation. In formal writing, words like 'meticulous', 'fastidious', or 'fussy' are safer and clearer choices.
What is the difference between being 'anal' and being 'meticulous'?
'Meticulous' is usually a compliment, describing careful and thorough attention to detail. Calling someone 'anal' is critical, suggesting their focus on order and small details has become excessive or controlling.
What is the meaning of anal?
"anal" (adj) means relating to or involving the anus.
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