virgin
pronunciation
How to pronounce virgin in British English:
UK [ˈvɜːdʒɪn]
How to pronounce virgin in American English:
US [ˈvɜːrdʒɪn]
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- Noun:
- a person who has never had sex
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- Adjective:
- being used or worked for the first time
- in a state of sexual virginity
Word Origin
- virgin
- virgin: [13] Virgin comes via Old French virgine from Latin virgō, a word of uncertain origin. The virginals [16], a form of small harpsichord, were so called because they were intended for playing by girls or young women.
- virgin (n.)
- c. 1200, "unmarried or chaste woman noted for religious piety and having a position of reverence in the Church," from Anglo-French and Old French virgine "virgin; Virgin Mary," from Latin virginem (nominative virgo) "maiden, unwedded girl or woman," also an adj., "fresh, unused," probably related to virga "young shoot." For sense evolution, compare Greek talis "a marriageable girl," cognate with Latin talea "rod, stick, bar." Meaning "young woman in a state of inviolate chastity" is recorded from c. 1300. Also applied since early 14c. to a chaste man. Meaning "naive or inexperienced person" is attested from 1953. The adjective is recorded from 1550s in the literal sense; figurative sense of "pure, untainted" is attested from c. 1300. The Virgin Islands were named (in Spanish) by Columbus for St. Ursula and her 11,000 martyred virgin companions.
Example
- 1. Let me explain : I 'm a virgin .
- 2. And while africa has more virgin farmland than anywhere else , in some areas good land is scarce .
- 3. The same goes for carols referring to virgin birth and lullabies that invoke the baby jesus .
- 4. It doesn 't care if you get laid or remain a virgin .
- 5. The altar painting of the virgin mentioned above soon follows .