orgasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "orgasm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics related to the physiological or psychological experience of sexual pleasure. For example, you could write the sentence: "The intense physical pleasure of the orgasm is an experience that many people strive for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More people in this study reported difficulty in having an orgasm because their partner was unskilled (25% of women and 7% of men).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes known as the "cuddle chemical", its positive role in experiences such as orgasm and childbirth seems to have led some to imagine it as an inhalable happy drug.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The lead author of the study, Charlene L Muehlenhard, says that pretending to orgasm is probably less likely in same-sex relationships because most of the "gap" in orgasms is in PVI, especially where there is not enough clitoral stimulation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps most women, says Muehlenhard, do not orgasm "reliably" from PVI, and some adapt by pretending.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a moment that seemed impressively candid to me (though some will regard it as too much information), Tsiolkas said that the best way of writing sex scenes is to "do the first draft, orgasm, and then start editing.

The Guardian - Books

This means that women receive pleasure in different ways, despite what has been a long history of shame-inducing theories about what part of the vagina should deliver orgasm (the vulva, said Freud; the clitoris, said 1970s feminists).The fashion today is to shore up most theories of human behaviour with a bit of neuroscience, and Ms Wolf obliges.

The Economist

Mr Cornswalled writes:Just as the male moment of issue [ie, orgasm] releases his seed into his wife, the female moment of issue initiates the "up suck," where the husband's seed is drawn into the womb by the cervix.

The Economist

"Why", asked a laudatory editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, without a trace of irony, "was this study so long in coming?"The researches of Masters and Johnson demolished Freudian ideas of female sexuality: there was nothing inferior about a clitorally induced orgasm.

The Economist

It was once thought that nitrites, drugs sometimes used by homosexuals to enhance orgasm, might be responsible, but they are now discounted as a cause.

The Economist

In humans higher oxytocin levels have been linked to physiological phenomena like contractions during childbirth, or orgasm.

The Economist

He spent his life insisting that a bone-rattling orgasm was the best way to ensure personal health and a more humane society.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "orgasm", be mindful of your audience and the context. In academic or professional settings, use more formal terms like "sexual climax".

Common error

Avoid using "orgasm" interchangeably with "arousal". Arousal is the state of sexual excitement, whereas "orgasm" is the peak or climax of that excitement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "orgasm" is as a noun, referring to the peak of sexual excitement and pleasure. It can also function as a verb, meaning to experience an "orgasm". Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts related to sexual health, relationships, and physiology. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "orgasm" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term referring to the peak of sexual excitement and pleasure. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun but can also be used as a verb. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific and medical discussions to news reports and personal conversations. While the formality level varies depending on the context, it's essential to be mindful of your audience and purpose when using the term. Related phrases such as "sexual climax" or "sexual release" can be used as more formal or nuanced alternatives. Therefore, understanding the appropriate context and register is crucial for effective communication when using the word "orgasm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual climax

Replaces "orgasm" with a more clinical term for the peak of sexual arousal.

climax

A shorter, more general term for "orgasm", implying the peak of any experience.

sexual peak

Highlights the intensity of sexual arousal.

coming

An informal term for experiencing an "orgasm".

moment of climax

Emphasizes a specific point in time during the sexual experience.

sexual release

Focuses on the feeling of tension leaving the body.

peak experience

Broadens the term to include non-sexual experiences that are highly intense and pleasurable.

sexual fulfillment

Emphasizes the satisfaction derived from the sexual experience.

sexual satisfaction

Highlights the feeling of contentment after sexual activity.

ejaculation

Specifically refers to the release of semen during male "orgasm", more technical.

FAQs

How can I use "orgasm" in a sentence?

You can use "orgasm" in a sentence to describe the peak of sexual excitement, such as "She experienced an intense orgasm".

What's a more formal way to say "orgasm"?

A more formal alternative to "orgasm" is "sexual climax", which is often used in medical or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "orgasm" in professional writing?

The appropriateness of using "orgasm" in professional writing depends on the context. In general, it's best to avoid using the term in formal business or academic writing unless it's directly relevant to the topic and treated with sensitivity.

What are some related terms to "orgasm" that I can use?

Related terms to "orgasm" include "climax", "sexual peak", and "sexual release", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.