had sex
/hæd sɛks/
VERB
1. Engaging in sexual intercourse
To have engaged in sexual intercourse or sexual relations with another person in the past.
1.1. Sexual intercourse and intimate relationships
Used as a neutral expression to describe having engaged in sexual intercourse or intimate sexual relations with another person.
Synonyms
- had sexual intercourse
- had sexual relations
- copulated
- slept with
- made love
- made love to
- had intercourse
- lay with
- coupled
- engaged in sexual activity
Examples
- They had sex after deciding to pursue a romantic relationship.
- The couple admitted that they had sex during their vacation.
- They had sexual intercourse for the first time after getting married.
Related Words
1.2. Informal and colloquial sexual activity
Used in casual conversation and informal language to refer to sexual activity, often expressed through slang, euphemisms, or less formal descriptions.
Synonyms
Examples
- They admitted that they had slept together after the party.
- He told his friends that he had hooked up with someone he met at the concert.
- The couple had gotten intimate during their weekend getaway.
Related Words
- fling
- hookup
- one-night stand
- sexual encounter
- physical intimacy
- romance
- attraction
- casual relationship
1.3. Reproduction and biological mating
Used in biological or reproductive contexts to describe sexual activity between individuals that may result in fertilization or reproduction.
Synonyms
- mated
- copulated
- bred
- coupled
- reproduced
Examples
- The researchers studied whether the animals had mated during the breeding season.
- The two animals had copulated under suitable environmental conditions.
Related Words
- mating
- breeding
- reproduction
- fertilization
- conception
- insemination
- procreation
- offspring