What does genital mean?
Genital is primarily an adjective meaning relating to the reproductive organs, as in “genital herpes,” “genital warts,” and “genital tract.” It can also be used as a noun for an external reproductive organ, although the singular noun form is relatively uncommon; “genitals” is the usual plural, and “genitalia” is a formal alternative. In everyday use, the word has a clinical association and is most frequent in health, anatomy, and sexual-health contexts. Its wider meaning includes any organ directly involved in reproduction, rather than only those associated with sexual activity. The word is etymologically connected with ideas of birth and generation: it comes from Latin genitalis, meaning pertaining to birth or generation. That history gives the term a broader conceptual link to the reproductive process, even when modern usage focuses narrowly on anatomy. Genital is useful because it allows a medical or anatomical reference to be made with greater precision than a general term such as sexual.
Relating to the reproductive organs or reproduction.
"The infection can cause painful genital ulcers."
Common in medical, anatomical, and public-health contexts.
An external reproductive organ; in the plural, the external reproductive organs collectively.
"The doctor examined the affected genital before arranging further tests."
The singular is relatively uncommon in general usage; “genitals” is more usual.
The usual plural noun for the external reproductive organs, especially in anatomical and medical contexts; “genitalia” is a more formal alternative.
"The patient was advised to discuss persistent pain in the genitals with a specialist."
Genital and generation share a Latin root associated with birth: one describes the organs involved in bringing forth life, while the other names the process.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does genital come from?
Genital entered English in the early 16th century from Latin genitalis, meaning “pertaining to birth or generation.” The Latin adjective was based on genitus, the past participle of gignere, “to beget or produce,” and ultimately belongs to a wider family including generation, genius, generous, and genial. The English adjective developed its established anatomical sense, while the noun use refers to a reproductive organ, especially an external one.
Related word forms
How genital is actually used
The adjective is formal or medical but is also common in public-health terminology. The singular noun is uncommon; the plural “genitals” is usual, while “genitalia” is a more formal anatomical plural.
Easily confused with genital
Genital means relating to the reproductive organs, whereas gentle means mild, kind, or not forceful.
Genital concerns reproductive anatomy, while Gentile is a historical term for a non-Jew and, by extension, historically a non-Christian.