# promiscuity

/ˌpɹɑmɪˈskjuəti/ (US) · /pɹˌɒmɪskjˈuːɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/promiscuity
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the habit of having sex with many different people. It is often used to describe a lack of care about who you are with or how many partners you have.

For teachers: the practice of engaging in sexual activity with many different partners. Often carries a moral or social judgment, implying a lack of restraint or fidelity.

## Examples

- The study looked at the link between promiscuity and health.
- In many traditional societies, promiscuity is viewed as a serious violation of social and religious laws.
- The author explores how the perceived rise in promiscuity during the late nineteenth century led to significant shifts in the legal definitions of marriage and property rights.

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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.