Recent Examples on the Web

Human studies have found that baby boys who were exposed to higher phthalate levels during fetal development had shorter distances between their anuses and genitals — a measure linked to lower testosterone levels and semen quality later in life. New York Times, "Avoid using certain types of plastic containers.," 17 Apr. 2020

Claims include licking and digitally penetrating his patients' vaginas without gloves, and fondling their breasts and anuses. Graham Kates, CBS News, "Manhattan D.A. investigating new allegations against Dr. Robert Hadden after Evelyn Yang interview," 20 Feb. 2020

He has been accused of licking and digitally penetrating patients’ vaginas without gloves, along with fondling their breasts and anuses. Alejandra Salazar, refinery29.com, "Dozens More Women Accuse Doctor Of Sexual Assault After Evelyn Yang Interview," 17 Feb. 2020

Wombats have roundish anuses, just like the rest of us mammals. Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "BREAKING: Mystery of Square Wombat Poop Revealed," 20 Nov. 2018

Overall, then, evolution easily could have done a U-turn long ago and developed fancier folds around our anuses for rectal talking. Sam Kean, Slate Magazine, "Lessons on Flatulence From a Fart Artist," 24 July 2017

An estimated 80 million in the U.S. have HPV, which is usually cleared by the immune system but causes most cervical cancers and some cancers of the anus and throat. Todd Ackerman, Houston Chronicle, "Think virginity prevents HPV? Not necessarily, says study," 28 Dec. 2017

Now any penetration of the anus or vagina, no matter how slight, experienced by any person with any body part or object, can be classified as rape. Author: Danielle Sepulveres, Anchorage Daily News, "What’s the difference between sexual assault and harassment? Let’s break it down," 22 Dec. 2017

Backpacks were also popular hiding places (19 percent), followed by body orifices including vagina and anus (4 percent), and hair (2 percent). Howard Cohen, miamiherald, "Music fans’ drugs turn up in the craziest places — from underwear to roasted chicken," 21 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.