foreplay

noun

fore·​play ˈfȯr-ˌplā How to pronounce foreplay (audio)
1
: erotic stimulation preceding sexual intercourse
2
: action or behavior that precedes an event

Examples of foreplay in a Sentence

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.
Ought this scene to be read as foreplay or foreboding? Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026 When my name was finally called, there was no foreplay. Patricia Tortolani, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026 Many people with vaginas need clitoral stimulation to come, whether that’s during foreplay or the main event too. Zahra Thompson, SELF, 28 Jan. 2026 Hockey, in the world of Heated Rivalry, is just foreplay. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreplay

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreplay was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Foreplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreplay. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

foreplay

noun
fore·​play -ˌplā How to pronounce foreplay (audio)
: erotic stimulation preceding sexual intercourse

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