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.
Nosferatu is summoned from the occult niche of the Eggers universe viewers are now familiar with: remnants of The Lighthouse (2019) and The Northman (2022) ooze through the Gothic gloom and nauseating eroticism. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024 In the 1970s, eroticism was situated between what was shown and what was hidden. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2024 Instead, his hallucinatory drama explores themes like Black assimilation, imperial white oppression, eroticism, and the uneasy relationship between religion and power. Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2025 Affection and touch can lead to sexuality and eroticism. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eroticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eroticism. Accessed 5 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!