copulation

noun

UK/ˌkɒp.jəˈleɪ.ʃᵊn/
US/ˌkɑː.pjəˈleɪ.ʃᵊn/

Definitions of copulation noun

  1. Uncountable

    The act of sexual intercourse between animals.

    • During the breeding season, many birds engage in copulation to reproduce.

    • Scientists are studying the copulation rituals of certain insects.

    • Observing the copulation behavior of animals is an important part of ethological research.