virgin

1 of 2

noun

vir·​gin ˈvər-jən 

1

a

: a person who has not had sexual intercourse

b

: a person who is inexperienced in a usually specified sphere of activity

2

a

: an unmarried woman devoted to religion

b

Virgin : virgo

3

a

: an absolutely chaste young woman

b

: an unmarried girl or woman

4

Virgin : virgin mary

5

: a female animal that has never copulated

virgin

2 of 2

adjective

1

: chaste

2

: fresh, unspoiled

specifically : not altered by human activity

a virgin forest

3

of a vegetable oil : obtained from the first light pressing and without heating

4

a(1)

: being used or worked for the first time

virgin lumber

see also virgin wool

(2)

of a metal : produced directly from ore by primary smelting

b

: initial, first

5

: containing no alcohol

a virgin daiquiri

6

: free of impurity or stain : unsullied

7

: characteristic of or befitting a virgin : modest

Synonyms of virgin

Noun

• novice
• beginner
• freshman
• apprentice
• newcomer
• rookie

Adjective

• virginal
• unmarried
• maiden

Examples of virgin in a Sentence

Noun

a virgin in the world of comedy clubs, he's still learning to deal with hecklers

Adjective

encouraged the virgin youths to remain chaste

the state's only remaining virgin forest

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As the cost of petrochemical feedstocks for virgin synthetics rises by as much as 60 percent or more, the price difference between virgin and bio-based options is getting smaller. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Bridget reads Lizzie the tale of Countess Elizabeth Báthory of Ecsed (also portrayed by Krieps), a 16th-century Hungarian noblewoman said to have bled beautiful virgins to bathe in their blood and preserve her beauty. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Adjective

As the cost of petrochemical feedstocks for virgin synthetics rises by as much as 60 percent or more, the price difference between virgin and bio-based options is getting smaller. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Corto Olive, a leader in California extra virgin olive oil production, has long been a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French virgine, from Latin virgin-, virgo young woman, virgin

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 6

Phrases Containing virgin

• extra-virgin
• vestal virgin
• virgin birth
• virgin's bower
• virgin territory
• virgin wool

Rhymes for virgin

• sturgeon
• surgeon
• neurosurgeon

Kids Definition

virgin

1 of 2 noun

vir·​gin ˈvər-jən 

: a person who has not had sexual intercourse

virgin

2 of 2 adjective

1

: being a virgin

2

: not soiled

virgin snow

especially : not altered by human activity

virgin soil

3

: being used or worked for the first time

virgin wool

Medical Definition

virgin

1 of 2 noun

vir·​gin ˈvər-jən 

: one who has not had sexual intercourse

virgin

2 of 2 adjective

: not affected or altered by previous use or exposure (as to an antigen) : naive

virgin B cells

Geographical Definition

Virgin

geographical name

Vir·​gin ˈvər-jən 

river 200 miles (322 kilometers) long in southwestern Utah and southeastern Nevada flowing to Lake Mead