noun
Common
virgin
VURD-zhihn
Virgin (noun) means a person who has never had sex. Example: “He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen.”
noun
1
A person who has never had sex.
"He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen."
adj
1
Not yet used, touched, or spoiled.
"The explorers pushed into virgin rainforest that no map had ever recorded."
"She opened a virgin notebook and wrote the date on the first page."
"The skiers left the first tracks across the virgin snow."
2
Describing a mixed drink made without alcohol.
"He ordered a virgin mojito since he was driving home."
"The café serves several virgin cocktails for anyone who prefers no alcohol."
"She asked the waiter for a virgin version of the fruity drink."
3
Describing olive oil pressed out mechanically, without chemical processing.
"Drizzle a little virgin olive oil over the salad just before serving."
"Virgin oil has a fruitier flavour than the refined kind sold in cheaper bottles."
"The recipe called for extra virgin olive oil."
How to use virgin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who hasn't had sex, or, as an adjective, something untouched, unspoiled, or (for drinks) alcohol-free.
Common pairings
a virgin forest
virgin olive oil
a virgin cocktail
lose one's virginity
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Word forms
- Plural
- virgins
- Comparative
- more virgin
- Superlative
- most virgin
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a _____ at nineteen.
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English virgine, which derived from Old French virgine, itself from Latin virginem, the accusative form of virgō. It is a doublet of Virgo, and displaced the native Old English word fǣmne.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “virgin” mean?
The word “virgin” means a person who has never had sex. In plain terms, someone who hasn't had sex, or, as an adjective, something untouched, unspoiled, or (for drinks) alcohol-free.
How do you pronounce “virgin”?
“Virgin” is pronounced VURD-zhihn (/ˈvɝd͡ʒɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “virgin” in a sentence?
Here is “virgin” used in a sentence: “He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen.”
What is another word for “virgin”?
Words with a similar meaning to “virgin” include maid and unicorn bait.
What part of speech is “virgin”?
Depending on how it is used, “virgin” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “virgin” a common word?
“Virgin” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “virgin” have?
“Virgin” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who has never had sex.
What is the difference between "virgin" as a noun and as an adjective?
As a noun, "virgin" refers to a person who has never had sex. As an adjective, it describes something not yet used, touched, or spoiled, as in "virgin forest," "virgin snow," or "virgin territory."
What are common phrases that use "virgin" as an adjective?
Common collocations include "virgin forest," "virgin snow," "virgin territory," and "virgin wool." In each, "virgin" carries the sense of something fresh, untouched, or in its natural, unspoiled state.
When is "Virgin" capitalized?
"The Virgin" or "the Blessed Virgin" is capitalized when it is used as a religious title for Mary. The lowercase "virgin" is used for the general noun and adjective meanings.
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