verb

fornicate

FAW-nih-kayt

Fornicate (verb) means to have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

verb

To have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

"The old law forbade unmarried couples to fornicate."

How to use fornicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal or old-fashioned word for having sex, often used in a moral or religious context.

When to use it

Mostly used in religious, legal, or formal writing rather than everyday speech.

Word forms

more fornicate comparative, fornicated past tense, fornicates singular, most fornicate superlative

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Etymology

From Latin fornicari, from fornix, "an arch or vaulted passageway" — a word also used for brothels, since prostitutes in ancient Rome often waited for clients under archways.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for fornicate

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of fornicate?

"fornicate" (verb) means to have sexual intercourse, especially outside marriage.

How do you use fornicate in a sentence?

Example: "The old law forbade unmarried couples to fornicate."