noun Uncommon

intercourse

IHN-tuh-kaws

Intercourse (noun) means Sexual activity between people.

noun

Sexual activity between people.

"The textbook describes the biology of sexual intercourse."

Dealings or exchange between people, groups, or countries — social, commercial, or diplomatic.

"Centuries of trade brought cultural intercourse between the two regions."

"Diplomatic intercourse between the two nations resumed after years of silence."

How to use intercourse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost often used today for sex, but its older, more formal meaning is any exchange or dealing between people or nations.

Common mistake

In modern everyday speech "intercourse" almost always means sex; the "dealings between people" sense now sounds old-fashioned or formal outside of academic or legal writing.

When to use it

The general "dealings" sense is formal/dated; most readers will assume the sexual meaning.

Word forms

intercoursed past tense, intercourses plural, intercourses singular

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Etymology

From Old French entrecours, from Late Latin intercursus, literally "a running between."

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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exchange dealings relations correspondence

Related words

family market trade contact sale traffic discussion conversation

Rhymes for intercourse

nurse curse purse course recourse reimburse discourse concourse

See all rhymes for intercourse →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of intercourse?

"intercourse" (noun) means sexual activity between people.

What is another word for intercourse?

Other words for "intercourse" include exchange, dealings, relations, correspondence.

What are the different meanings of intercourse?

"intercourse" has 2 main meanings: 1. Sexual activity between people; 2. Dealings or exchange between people, groups, or countries — social, commercial, or diplomatic.

How do you use intercourse in a sentence?

Example: "The textbook describes the biology of sexual intercourse."

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family market trade contact sale traffic discussion conversation