fornicate

verb

for·​ni·​cate ˈfȯr-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
fornicated; fornicating; fornicates
Synonyms of fornicatenext

intransitive verb

: to commit fornication : to engage in consensual sexual intercourse with someone to whom one is not married
fornicator
ˈfȯr-nə-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
noun

Examples of fornicate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Age-old paintings of satyrs bedding nymphs and mythological figures fornicating have been newly unearthed at a small house at Pompeii. — Alex Greenberger For Artnews, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024 Beset by pressures on all sides — complicated when Otto reported to him that Rhaenyra and Daemon were seen fornicating, for which Viserys fired Otto — Viserys banished Daemon a second time and ordered Rhaenyra to marry Laenor Velaryon, heir to the Driftwood Throne. — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 13 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin fornicātus, past participle of fornicāre "to consort with women who provide sex for money," derivative of Latin fornic-, fornix "arch, vault, vaulted chamber used as a brothel" — more at fornix

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fornicate was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

fornent
fornicate
fornication
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fornicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fornicate. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

fornicate

verb
for·​ni·​cate ˈfȯr-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
fornicated; fornicating
: to commit fornication
fornicator
-ˌkāt-ər How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

fornicate

verb
for·​ni·​cate ˈfȯr-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
fornicated; fornicating

intransitive verb

: to commit fornication : to engage in consensual sexual intercourse with someone to whom one is not married
fornicator
-ˌkāt-ər How to pronounce fornicate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fornicate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fornicate

Nglish: Translation of fornicate for Spanish Speakers

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