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

A person who has never had sex.

"He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a virgin at nineteen."

adj

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."

Describing a mixed drink made without alcohol.

"He ordered a virgin mojito since he was driving home."

Describing olive oil pressed out mechanically, without chemical processing.

"The recipe called for extra virgin olive oil."

How to use virgin

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

more virgin comparative, virgins plural, Virgins plural, most virgin superlative

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He admitted, a little embarrassed, that he was still a _____ at nineteen.

Etymology

From Middle English virgine, from Old French virgine, from Latin virginem, accusative of virgō. Doublet of Virgo. Displaced native Old English fǣmne.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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chaste maiden pristine untouched unspoiled unused maid unicorn bait

Antonyms

copulator libertine

Related words

new girl clean fresh initial remaining pure raw

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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