Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

intercourse

/ˈɪn.tɚˌkɔɹs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.60 in modern English

Syllables
in-ter-course
IPA
/ˈɪn.tɚˌkɔɹs/
13
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Communication, conversation.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Dealings between countries.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Dealings with people, including commerce and trade.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Sexual intercourse, especially that involving humans and especially penile-vaginal interconnection.

Countable; Uncountable

verb

To have sexual intercourse.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Old French entrecours, from Late Latin intercursus.

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *ḱers-, entrecours, intercursus

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈɪn.tɚˌkɔɹs/
  • British English: /ˈɪn.təˌkɔːs/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce intercourse?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɪn.tɚˌkɔɹs/.
What does intercourse mean?
Communication, conversation.
Where does intercourse come from?
It is traced to Old French.

How to pronounce intercourse

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “intercourse”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɪn.tɚˌkɔɹs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “intercourse”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “intercourse” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.