# penis

/ˈpinɪs/ (US) · /pˈiːnɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/penis
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. anatomy

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

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

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.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.