genitals

IPA/ˈdʒenɪtlz/
KK[dʒˈɛnətəlz]IPA/ˈdʒenɪtlz/

genitals — noun

1. the parts of the body that are visible on the outside in the area between the le

1.nounB2
Definition

the parts of the body that are visible on the outside in the area between the legs and that are directly involved in sexual activity and reproduction — for example, the penis in males and the vulva in females

Example

The doctor explained that the genitals are among the most sensitive parts of the body.

that-clause after 'explained'

Nora felt too shy to let the nurse look at her genitals during the check-up.

possessive + genitals (her genitals)

Common collocations
  • male/female genitals
  • examine/check/inspect genitals
  • expose/cover/protect genitals
  • genitals are sensitive
  • keep genitals clean
  • genital area
Synonyms
  • genitalia

    more formal and technical; used mainly in medical writing

  • sex organs

    neutral term that can include internal organs as well

  • private parts

    informal, euphemistic; common in everyday conversation

Grammar Patterns

the + genitals

possessive + genitals

genitals + plural verb

Usage Note

Always used in the plural form. There is no singular noun 'genital' referring to one organ. The verb form is always plural: the genitals are... / the genitals were... Common in medical, educational, and formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

His genital was injured in the accident.
His genitals were injured in the accident.
'Genitals' is always plural; there is no singular noun form 'genital' for this meaning.
The genital is a sensitive area.
The genitals are a sensitive area.
The subject must be plural and take a plural verb, even when followed by a singular complement.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Genitals' is the standard neutral term for the external sexual organs, used in both everyday and formal speech. 'Genitalia' is the most technical and medical variant, appearing mainly in clinical writing and anatomy textbooks. 'Sex organs' is a broader term that includes both internal and external reproductive parts — ovaries, testes, and uterus as well as the genitals. 'Private parts' is an informal, euphemistic phrase used in casual conversation or when speaking to children; it is less precise and often avoided in professional settings. 'Crotch' refers more to the general area between the legs where the legs meet the torso, rather than the organs themselves, and is considered slightly informal. In a medical context, say: 'The doctor examined the patient's genitals.' In a casual conversation, say: 'He felt sore in his private parts.'

genitaliasex organsprivate partscrotch ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'genitals' comes from Latin 'genitalis', meaning 'of or relating to birth or creation'. This Latin root comes from 'gignere', which means 'to beget, give birth, or produce'. The sense of 'organs of reproduction' in English dates back to the 15th century, when the word was used in medical Latin to describe the body parts involved in procreation.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined above