dildo

IPA/ˈdɪldəʊ/
KK[dˈɪldˌo]IPA/ˈdɪldəʊ/

dildo — noun

  • dildosingular
  • dildosplural

1. a sex toy shaped like a penis that people use to experience sexual pleasure, eit

1.nounB2
Definition

a sex toy shaped like a penis that people use to experience sexual pleasure, either alone or with a partner

Example

The sex shop on Elm Street sells dildos in many shapes and sizes.

countable noun in plural form

Ayana bought her first silicone dildo online and was happy with the quality.

collocation: silicone dildo

Common collocations
  • silicone dildo
  • glass dildo
  • vibrating dildo
  • use a dildo
  • insert a dildo
Synonyms
  • vibrator

    a vibrator adds a motor for vibration; a dildo may or may not vibrate

  • sex toy

    the general category term — a dildo is one type of sex toy

  • butt plug

    designed for anal use with a flared base; different shape from a typical dildo

Usage Note

The primary meaning in neutral, descriptive contexts — used in shops, product reviews, and sexual health discussions. Not considered offensive when referring to the object.

2. an insulting expression used to describe someone, usually a man, who behaves in

2.nounC1
Definition

an insulting expression used to describe someone, usually a man, who behaves in a foolish or annoying way

Example

The guy who parked across two spaces is a total dildo.

collocation: total dildo

Camila called her ex a dildo and regretted it immediately.

Common collocations
  • total dildo
  • absolute dildo
  • act like a dildo
Synonyms
  • idiot

    much less offensive; the standard insult for foolish behaviour

  • jerk

    similar level of mild rudeness, but far less vulgar

Usage Note

Strongly offensive; avoid using in professional or polite settings. More common in informal British English than American English.

Common Mistakes

He called his friend a dildo as a joke and everyone laughed.
He called his friend a fool as a joke and everyone laughed.
'Dildo' is much stronger and more offensive than 'fool'; using it as a joke can still cause serious offense.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All these terms describe devices used for sexual pleasure, but each has a distinct meaning. A dildo is specifically phallic-shaped and designed for penetration. A vibrator adds a vibrating motor — many dildos do not vibrate. 'Sex toy' is the broadest term, covering any item used for sexual stimulation (including dildos, vibrators, and butt plugs). A butt plug has a tapered shape with a flared base, designed for anal use. 'Massager' is often used euphemistically for vibrator but can also refer to non-sexual muscle massagers. For example: 'She bought a glass dildo for temperature play' versus 'She prefers a clitoral vibrator for external stimulation.'

vibrator ↗sex toybutt plugmassager ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • silicone dildo
  • glass dildo
  • vibrating dildo
  • rubber dildo

Phrases

  • use a dildo
  • insert a dildo
  • clean a dildo

Prepositions

  • with a dildo

Etymology

Italian (possible)English

The exact origin of 'dildo' is uncertain. It first appeared in English around the 1590s in ballads and plays, often as a nonsense word in folk songs. One theory traces it to the Italian word 'diletto', meaning 'delight', from Latin 'delectare' (to please). Another theory connects it to 'dildo', a nonsense refrain in 17th-century English ballads. The insult sense developed in the 20th century, derived from the object's name.