verb

copulate

KOP-yuu-layt

Copulate (verb) means to have sexual intercourse (often used of animals in biological or clinical contexts).

verb

To have sexual intercourse (often used of animals in biological or clinical contexts).

"The documentary showed the birds copulate during their mating ritual."

How to use copulate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo mate or have sex — a clinical, biological term rather than an everyday one.

When to use it

Formal/clinical register, common in biology and medical writing rather than casual conversation.

copulated past tense, copulates singular

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From Latin copulatus, past participle of copulare ("to join, couple, connect").

Origin: Latin

couple pair mate

abstain keep it in one's pants wouldn't touch with yours

two both friend single couple match link husband

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

What is the meaning of copulate?

"copulate" (verb) means to have sexual intercourse (often used of animals in biological or clinical contexts).

What is another word for copulate?

Other words for "copulate" include couple, pair, mate.

What is the opposite of copulate?

Opposites of "copulate" include abstain, keep it in one's pants, wouldn't touch with yours.

How do you use copulate in a sentence?

Example: "The documentary showed the birds copulate during their mating ritual."

two both friend single couple match link husband