copulation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "copulation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in biological or scientific contexts to refer to the act of sexual intercourse or mating between animals. Example: "The study focused on the copulation behavior of various species in their natural habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As readers will recall, in her first novel, a thinly fictionalised memoir entitled "The Book of Colour" which was published in 1995, her great-grandfather was a missionary whose job was "to stamp out copulation" among the "natives" of an Indian Ocean island.

The Economist

The Swedish vulgarism for copulation is fucka, similar to the Norwegian fukka.Jan KarlenFinspang, Sweden.

The Economist

A paper by Walter Joyce of the University of Tübingen and his colleagues, published in Biology Letters, describes the fossils and speculates how they were killed in the act of copulation.

The Economist

In work on other mammals, researchers have found an association between hormones, the frequency of copulation, and the sex of the offspring.

The Economist

Successful copulation among spiders requires the pedipalp located on the right side of the male's abdomen to align with the female orifice located to her right and vice versa.

The Economist

His rate of copulation dropped off, as did the number of sperm transferred on each occasion.

The Economist

Its policemen, seemingly ignorant of forensic science, behave as if trapped in treacle: off duty, one of them watches the only action available, repeated copulation.

The Economist

These spiders, too, have turned copulation into a girl-eats-boy story.

The Economist

Dr Long and his team therefore think their observations are pretty strong evidence that M. dicki went in for copulation too.

The Economist

Its possession of claspers (already known from more advanced types of placoderms, but thought to have evolved specifically in them) suggests that copulation truly is a primitive affair.Why some subsequent lines of vertebrates should have abandoned it is a mystery.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If more than one mating occurs, the male must refill the pedipalps between copulations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "copulation" in formal, scientific, or academic contexts when referring to the act of sexual intercourse or mating, especially when discussing animal behavior or reproductive biology.

Common error

Avoid using "copulation" in casual conversation or informal writing. More common terms like "sex" or "mating" are generally more appropriate for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The term "copulation" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes the act of sexual intercourse or mating, particularly in the context of animals. Ludwig indicates that this term is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "copulation" is a grammatically correct noun primarily used in formal, scientific, and academic settings to describe the act of sexual intercourse or mating. Ludwig confirms its validity. While frequently encountered in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, its formal register makes it less suitable for casual conversation where alternatives like "mating" or "sexual intercourse" are more appropriate. When aiming for precision in technical writing, "copulation" remains a strong choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual intercourse

More general term for sexual activity between individuals.

sexual relations

A broad term that may include activities other than intercourse.

coitus

A more technical and clinical term for sexual intercourse.

mating

Commonly used in the context of animals reproducing.

breeding

Focuses on the reproductive aspect, often used in agriculture or animal husbandry.

sexual congress

A formal and somewhat archaic term for sexual intercourse.

procreation

Emphasizes the act of producing offspring.

reproduction

A biological term referring to the process of creating new organisms.

having sex

An informal and direct way of referring to sexual intercourse.

sexual activity

General term for any kind of sexual actions between individuals.

FAQs

What does "copulation" mean?

"Copulation" refers to the act of sexual intercourse, especially between animals, resulting in the transfer of sperm. It's often used in biological and scientific contexts.

What can I say instead of "copulation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sexual intercourse", "mating" (especially for animals), or "coitus". The best choice depends on the formality and specificity required.

Is "copulation" a formal word?

Yes, "copulation" is a formal term, typically used in scientific, academic, or technical writing. It's not commonly used in casual conversation.

How is "copulation" different from "sexual intercourse"?

While both terms refer to the act of sex, "copulation" is more frequently used in the context of animal reproduction and scientific discussions, whereas "sexual intercourse" is a more general term applicable to humans and animals.