Word
genitalia
Phoneticsgen·i·talia
US/dʒɛnəˈtɑɫjə/
UK/dʒˌɛnɪtˈeɪliə/
Plural noun
Definition
n. the outer parts of the body that people use for sex or to have babies.
n. the external reproductive organs of an animal or human. The term is typically treated as a plural noun and is the standard anatomical designation in medical contexts.
Examples
“The doctor examined the patient's genitalia for signs of infection.”
“In biology class, students learn to identify the external genitalia of various mammal species.”
“The forensic report included a detailed description of the injuries sustained to the victim's genitalia, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution's case.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor examined the patient's genitalia for signs of infection.”
contextual
“In biology class, students learn to identify the external genitalia of various mammal species.”
complex
“The forensic report included a detailed description of the injuries sustained to the victim's genitalia, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution's case.”
Usage
Usually functions as a plural noun; the singular form 'genitale' is extremely rare in modern English.
Teaching tip
This is the most appropriate term for medical or formal writing. In casual conversation, it can sound overly clinical or uncomfortable.
Real-World Examples
“Both men and women grow hair around their genitalia from puberty, complicating a search for an answer as to why it evolved: “You need an explanation that works for both sexes,” Wearing says.” “Girls with the condition may be born with masculinized genitalia.” Etymology
From Latin genitālia, substantive use of plural of genitālis (“pertaining to generation or birth”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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- Formal, Technical
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