What does lovemaking mean?
Lovemaking is a noun referring to sexual activity between people, particularly when it is understood as an expression of affection, closeness, or emotional commitment. Although it plainly includes the physical dimension of intimacy, the word often carries a warmer, more personal tone than terms such as “sexual intercourse.” It is especially common in literary, medical, educational, and relationship-oriented contexts, where it helps distinguish consensual intimacy from sexual activity presented merely as a physical act. The plural “lovemakings” is possible but uncommon; in ordinary usage, “lovemaking” is generally treated as an uncountable concept. The expression is also sometimes hyphenated as “love-making,” although the unhyphenated form is standard in contemporary English.
nounSexual activity between people, especially when regarded as an expression of affection or intimacy. It may also refer more broadly to the act of making love.
- Sexual activity between people, especially when it is regarded as an expression of affection or intimacy.
"They spent the evening together in tender lovemaking."
"The novel portrays the characters' lovemaking with tenderness and restraint."
"The clinic emphasizes that all lovemaking between partners should be consensual."
The plural is possible but rare; “lovemaking” is ordinarily used as an uncountable noun.
"The diary describes the lovers' lovemakings in vivid but restrained language."
Lovemaking turns the familiar verb “make love” into a single word for an intimate act that can be both physical and emotional.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lovemaking come from?
“Lovemaking” is an English compound formed from “love” and the verbal noun “making.” The expression “make love,” which underlies the compound, has long been used for affectionate or sexual intimacy and also for acts of courtship. Combining the two elements into a single noun follows the established English pattern of forming verbal nouns with “-ing” and joining them to a preceding object.
How lovemaking is actually used
Usually uncountable and somewhat formal or literary. It often conveys emotional intimacy as well as sexual activity and may be used in medical, educational, or literary contexts.