promiscuity

noun

pro·​mis·​cu·​i·​ty ˌprä-mə-ˈskyü-ə-tē How to pronounce promiscuity (audio)
ˌprō-
plural promiscuities
Synonyms of promiscuitynext
1
: promiscuous sexual behavior
2
: miscellaneous mingling or selection of persons or things : indiscriminateness

Examples of promiscuity 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.
While many employers look down on this sort of professional promiscuity, new research suggests there are benefits to switching jobs frequently. — Adrian Ma, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Verrill’s former partner, the entertainment lawyer Bob Geary, shares emotional testimony about their relationship — one fraught with promiscuity and Verrill’s taste for the BDSM leather life — but also a reflection on his lover’s killing. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 June 2026 Her new friends include Sam (Bianca Dumais), a rock-chick type who’s the same age as Franny and who has developed a reputation for promiscuity around town that doesn’t seem deserved. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 May 2026 But Jacks was not without his flaws, promiscuity among them. — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for promiscuity

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of promiscuity was in 1663

Rhymes for promiscuity

See All Rhymes for promiscuity

Browse Nearby Words

prominently
promiscuity
promiscuous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Promiscuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promiscuity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

promiscuity

noun
prom·​is·​cu·​ity
ˌpräm-əs-ˈkyü-ət-ē
plural promiscuities
: the quality or state of being promiscuous

Medical Definition

promiscuity

noun
pro·​mis·​cu·​i·​ty ˌpräm-əs-ˈkyü-ət-ē, prə-ˌmis- How to pronounce promiscuity (audio)
plural promiscuities
: promiscuous sexual behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on promiscuity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for promiscuity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about promiscuity

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