genitals

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "genitals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to either the external sex organs of a person or animal. For example, "The doctor examined the patient's genitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Men aren't simply raped, they are forced to penetrate holes in banana trees that run with acidic sap, to sit with their genitals over a fire, to drag rocks tied to their penis, to give oral sex to queues of soldiers, to be penetrated with screwdrivers and sticks.

The Guardian

The idea of genitals as a kind of destination had clearly caught on, becoming a popular denunciation.

The Guardian

He said that he was suspended by his ankles and subjected to electric shocks to his genitals and suffocation by plastic bags.

The Guardian

In Australia, the 2006 series of Big Brother sparked its own outrage after two male housemates allegedly held down a female housemate while one attempted to force his genitals into her face.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 2012, Japanese artist Mao Sugiyama had his genitals surgically removed, to raise awareness of asexual rights.

The Guardian - Arts

The remains included tongues, skin, male genitals and organs, as well as full skeletons, skulls and limb bones.

The Guardian

However, she wilfully ignores what it means to cover schoolgirls' faces: the face-veil is no more just "a scrap of fabric" than a gag is, it is an iconic manifestation of an ideology which holds that women's faces are analogous to their genitals as a source of shame which must be hidden from all men other than their husbands.

The Guardian

Genitals that, and I'm sorry to break this to you in such an indelicate manner, may have actually been used once.

The Guardian

In fact, the amputation of male genitals is a recurring theme in GOT.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only time that voting isn't rubbish is when your polling station is a primary school, and you can go use one of the tiny urinals while screaming "I AM A TERRIFYING GIANT!" at your own genitals.

The Guardian

One illustration of a diseased kidney calls to mind the fig Rupert Birkin bites into in DH Lawrence's Women in Love, and which causes him to rhapsodise the female genitals; another carbuncle, prised out from a diseased heart, resembles a huge red effulgent pearl.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genitals" when anatomical precision is needed. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "private parts" may be preferable.

Common error

While euphemisms like "private parts" can soften the tone, overuse can obscure the intended meaning. Use "genitals" when precise anatomical reference is necessary for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "genitals" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the external sexual or reproductive organs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a direct and medically accurate term. Examples from the provided data illustrate its use in describing medical examinations, anatomical descriptions, and instances of violence or injury.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genitals" is a grammatically correct and very common noun used to refer to the external sexual organs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a direct and medically accurate term, finding its place primarily in news and media, and scientific writing. When considering alternative phrasing, "sexual organs" or "private parts" offer context-dependent alternatives. The best practice is to use "genitals" where anatomical precision is needed, keeping in mind the target audience and avoiding euphemisms when clarity is paramount. Sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual organs

Focuses on the function rather than the specific anatomical term.

sex organs

A more concise and direct alternative.

reproductive organs

Highlights the reproductive role of the body parts.

genital area

Refers to the region where the genitals are located.

private parts

A more euphemistic and less clinical term.

privates

A less clinical term.

external genitalia

A more specific and anatomical term.

pudenda

A formal, medical term for the external female genitalia.

crotch

Informal term for the area around the genitals.

nether regions

Humorous or euphemistic term.

FAQs

How is "genitals" typically used in a sentence?

The term "genitals" is used to refer to the external reproductive organs, as in, "The doctor examined the patient's "genitals" during the physical exam".

What are some less formal alternatives to "genitals"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "private parts", "privates", or "sexual organs".

Is it appropriate to use "genitals" in all writing contexts?

While "genitals" is a medically accurate term, it may not be suitable for all audiences or contexts. Consider the tone and purpose of your writing when choosing whether to use this term or a less clinical alternative.

What is the difference between "genitals" and "genitalia"?

"Genitals" is the plural form, referring to the external reproductive organs. "Genitalia" is also a plural form referring to the same thing, although it has a slightly more clinical feel. Both can be used in most contexts, with the choice often coming down to personal preference.