1
: of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus
an anal fin
2
psychoanalytic theory
a
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being the stage of psychosexual development which follows the oral stage (see oral entry 1 sense 3) and during which the child is concerned especially with his or her feces
b
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being personality traits (such as parsimony, meticulousness, and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
an anal disposition
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or preciseI have a mania for neatness in some matters that is almost anal.—
Joseph Heller
Joseph HellerExamples of anal in a Sentence
Adjective
He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.
Recent Examples on the WebLinda Villarosa, New York Times, 13 June 2024
Others are more serious than hemorrhoids but treatable, like an ulcer, an anal fissure, a polyp, or a medication (like an NSAID or blood thinner) that can cause bleeding as a side effect.
—Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 10 June 2024
The virus infects specific tissues, predisposing patients to develop cancers – including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancer.
—Dr. Arifeen Rahman, ABC News, 29 May 2024
Watch Mandel, his daughter, and Ray J discuss anal prolapse in the video above.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for anal 
Adjective
The human papillomavirus vaccine provides powerful protection against the leading cause of cervical cancer and against a strong risk factor for anal cancer.
—Linda Villarosa, New York Times, 13 June 2024
Others are more serious than hemorrhoids but treatable, like an ulcer, an anal fissure, a polyp, or a medication (like an NSAID or blood thinner) that can cause bleeding as a side effect.
—Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 10 June 2024
The virus infects specific tissues, predisposing patients to develop cancers – including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancer.
—Dr. Arifeen Rahman, ABC News, 29 May 2024
Watch Mandel, his daughter, and Ray J discuss anal prolapse in the video above.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for anal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near anal
Cite this Entry
“Anal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anal
1 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or situated near the anus
the anal opening
anal fissures
2
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory that follows the oral stage and during which a child derives libidinal gratification from the expulsion and retention of the feces and conflict arises from parental demands regarding toilet training
During the anal stage, from about 18 months to 3 years, the sphincter muscles become sensitive and controllable and bowel and bladder retention and elimination become a source of gratification.—David G. Myers, Psychology
David G. Myers, Psychology
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits (as orderliness, frugality, and obstinacy) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise
compare genital sense 3, oral sense 3, phallic sense 2
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