orgasm

orgasm — noun

1. the point in sexual activity when a person feels the strongest sexual pleasure

1.nounC1
Definition

the point in sexual activity when a person feels the strongest sexual pleasure

Example

The doctor explained that some women do not reach orgasm every time.

reach orgasm

After a long talk, the couple learned what helps each partner have an orgasm.

have an orgasm

Common collocations
  • have an orgasm
  • reach orgasm
  • fake an orgasm
  • female orgasm
Synonyms
  • climax

    often has the same meaning, but it can also mean the most exciting point in a story or event

  • sexual climax

    a more explicit and slightly more formal phrase

  • release

    a looser and often less exact word that may focus more on relief than on the full physical event

Grammar Patterns

have an orgasm

reach orgasm

an orgasm during sex

Usage Note

Often used after have, reach, or experience. Distinguish from the verb sense: the noun names the event itself, while the verb describes a person going through it.

Common Mistakes

He had orgasm during sex.
He had an orgasm during sex.
In this meaning, orgasm is a countable noun and normally needs an article.

orgasm — verb

Word family

  • orgasmic
    adjectiveC2
  • orgasmically
    adverbC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Orgasm is the exact neutral term for the point of strongest sexual pleasure. Climax is often used the same way, but it is broader because it can also mean the most exciting point in a film, game, or story. Sexual climax is more formal and is common in medical or educational explanations. Release is less exact and may focus on relief rather than the full physical event. Ejaculation is not the same as orgasm: it names the release of semen, and the two do not always happen together. Use orgasm when you want the clearest general term. For example, She had an orgasm is exact, while The lesson explained sexual climax sounds more formal.

orgasm ↗climaxsexual climaxrelease ↗ejaculation ↗

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Orgasm came into English through modern Latin and French from Greek orgasmos, a word connected with strong excitement or swelling with desire. In English, the meaning settled into the specific sexual sense used today.