Word
penis
Phoneticspe·nis, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpinɪs/
UK/pˈiːnɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the male body part used for passing urine and for sexual activity.
n. the male erectile organ of copulation and urinary excretion in humans and other mammals.
Examples
“The doctor examined the patient's penis for signs of infection.”
“In many mammal species, the penis contains a bone called the baculum to help maintain stiffness during mating.”
“The evolution of the mammalian penis reflects a complex history of sexual selection and physiological adaptation for internal fertilisation.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor examined the patient's penis for signs of infection.”
contextual
“In many mammal species, the penis contains a bone called the baculum to help maintain stiffness during mating.”
complex
“The evolution of the mammalian penis reflects a complex history of sexual selection and physiological adaptation for internal fertilisation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “penis” in context.
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.
Teaching 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.
Real-World Examples
“Ozzy seems more interested in chewing his pizzle stick – which I discover, slightly too late, is the dried penis of a bull.” Etymology
From late 17th century. Learned borrowing from Latin pēnis (“tail, penis”), from Proto-Indo-European *pes- (“penis”). Displaced native English pintle, tarse, pillicock.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/penis