eroticism

noun

erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrä-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
1
: an erotic theme or quality
2
: a state of sexual arousal
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire
eroticist noun

Examples of eroticism in a Sentence

the subtle eroticism of his films an actress known for her smoldering eroticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Affection and touch can lead to sexuality and eroticism. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 Sonya becomes a sort of kink doula for Molly, easing her into new notions of eroticism. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025 Sadness indeed, yet there is levity, directness, even eroticism. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2025 One of the characteristics that differentiate this project from the rest is the combination of humor/comedy and eroticism. John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eroticism

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eroticism was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eroticism. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

eroticism

noun
erot·​i·​cism i-ˈrät-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce eroticism (audio)
1
: the arousal of or the attempt to arouse sexual feeling by means of suggestion, symbolism, or allusion (as in an art form)
2
: a state of sexual arousal or anticipation (as from stimulation of erogenous zones)
3
: insistent sexual impulse or desire

More from Merriam-Webster on eroticism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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