# virginity

/vɝˈdʒɪnɪti/ (US) · /vɜːdʒˈɪnɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/virginity
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the state of never having had sex. People often talk about 'losing' it when they have sex for the first time.

For teachers: the state of never having engaged in sexual intercourse. Often used in the context of a social or personal milestone.

## Examples

- She decided to wait until marriage to lose her virginity.
- The novel explores the protagonist's transition into adulthood, focusing on the emotional weight of losing his virginity.
- Sociologists often study how different cultures attach varying degrees of moral or social value to the concept of virginity and its preservation.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'lose' or 'preserve'.

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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.