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Culture & Lifestyle • Human Sexuality

Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus is an oral sex act involving the stimulation of the vulva, especially the clitoris, using the tongue and lips.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cunnilingus is an oral sex act involving the stimulation of the vulva, especially the clitoris, using the tongue and lips. It is commonly described as a form of oral sex that may be used as foreplay or as a sexual activity on its own. It can also carry a risk of sexually transmitted infections, although the risk is generally lower than with vaginal or anal sex.

Definition

Cunnilingus is the oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris, typically using the tongue and lips. Standard dictionary and reference sources identify it as a form of oral sex.

Sexual function

It may be used to provide sexual pleasure, support arousal, or contribute to orgasm. Sources also note that it can occur as foreplay or as a sexual act on its own.

Health considerations

Cunnilingus can transmit sexually transmitted infections, although the risk is generally lower than with vaginal or anal intercourse. This makes safer-sex practices relevant when oral sex is involved.

Etymology and usage

The term comes from Latin roots meaning ‘vulva’ and ‘to lick.’ Reference sources note that the word has been used in English since the late 19th century.

Key facts

  • Cunnilingus refers to oral stimulation of the vulva, often including the clitoris.
  • It may be used to increase sexual arousal or contribute to orgasm.
  • It can be performed as foreplay or as an independent sexual activity.
  • There is a risk of STI transmission, though oral-sex transmission risk is generally lower than for vaginal or anal sex.
  • The word is derived from Latin roots related to the vulva and licking.
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Canadian context

Canadian English dictionaries and general-reference usage include the term as standard sexual-health vocabulary, and Canadian readers may encounter it in sex education and public-health discussions about STI prevention.

Frequently asked questions

What is cunnilingus?
Cunnilingus is oral stimulation of the vulva, especially the clitoris, using the mouth, lips, and tongue.
Is cunnilingus a form of oral sex?
Yes. Standard dictionaries and encyclopedic sources classify it as a form of oral sex.
Can cunnilingus lead to orgasm?
Yes. Sources note that stimulation of the clitoris and vulva may lead to sexual arousal or orgasm.
Does cunnilingus carry health risks?
Yes. It can transmit sexually transmitted infections, although the transmission risk is generally lower than for vaginal or anal sex.
Where does the word come from?
It comes from Latin roots referring to the vulva and licking.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunnilingus
    Supports: Definition; use as oral sex; arousal/orgasm; STI risk; etymology and common usage
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cunnilingus
    Supports: Definition as oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris
  3. Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/cunnilingus
    Supports: Definition and etymology
  4. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cunnilingus
    Supports: Definition as oral stimulation of female genitalia