What does "penis" mean?

1. (anatomy) the male body part used for passing urine and for sexual activity.

How do you use "penis"?

In medical and scientific contexts, this is the standard, neutral term; in social contexts, it is often avoided in favour of euphemisms or more clinical language depending on the setting.

penis

US //ˈpinɪs// UK //pˈiːnɪs// pe·nis

1 anatomy (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

the male body part used for passing urine and for sexual activity.

the male erectile organ of copulation and urinary excretion in humans and other mammals.

Example

The doctor explained how the penis and other parts of the male body work.

Example

In placental mammals, the penis serves a dual function as both a reproductive organ and a channel for the excretion of urine from the bladder.

Usage

In medical and scientific contexts, this is the standard, neutral term; in social contexts, it is often avoided in favour of euphemisms or more clinical language depending on the setting.

Teacher's tip

While this is the correct anatomical term, it can feel overly clinical or sensitive in casual conversation. Students should be aware that it is the appropriate word for biology or healthcare contexts.
- phallus

Origin

From late 17th century. Learned borrowing from Latin pēnis (“tail, penis”), from Proto-Indo-European *pes- (“penis”). Displaced native English pintle, tarse, pillicock.