noun
cunnilingus
kun-ih-LING-guhs
Cunnilingus (noun) means Oral stimulation of a woman's vulva, clitoris or vagina with the mouth and tongue.
noun
1
Oral stimulation of a woman's vulva, clitoris or vagina with the mouth and tongue.
"The chapter on cunnilingus covers technique and consent in equal measure."
"Cunnilingus can transmit some sexually transmitted infections, so barrier methods are advised."
How to use cunnilingus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsing the mouth and tongue on a woman's genitals for sexual pleasure.
When to use it
Clinical and formal. It is the term used in medical, legal and sex-education writing; everyday speech uses informal phrases instead.
Memory tip
It is an uncountable noun, so you perform cunnilingus rather than 'do a cunnilingus'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
perform cunnilingus
during cunnilingus
cunnilingus and fellatio
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Etymology
From Latin cunnilingus, literally 'one who licks the vulva', formed from cunnus 'vulva' and lingere 'to lick'. In Latin the word named the person; in English it names the act.
Synonyms
View more →
oral sex
going down on
eating out
muff diving
cunnilinctus
Related words
Rhymes for cunnilingus
See all rhymes for cunnilingus →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cunnilingus and fellatio?
Cunnilingus is oral stimulation of the vulva and clitoris, while fellatio is oral stimulation of the penis. Both are forms of oral sex, and the terms differ only in which genitals are involved.
How do you pronounce cunnilingus?
It is said kun-ih-LING-guhs, with four syllables and the stress on the third. The final part rhymes with 'us', not with 'goose'.
Is cunnilingus safe?
It cannot cause pregnancy, but it can transmit infections including herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HPV in either direction. A dental dam or a cut-open condom used as a barrier substantially reduces that risk.
What is the meaning of cunnilingus?
"cunnilingus" (noun) means oral stimulation of a woman's vulva, clitoris or vagina with the mouth and tongue.
