hard-on

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An erection of the penis.

Register: slang, vulgar

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

I'm lying here with a hard-on, it's not even 10:00 yet.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A desirous arousal based on a fascination or obsession.

Register: slang, vulgar

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hard-on” mean?

An erection of the penis.

Is “hard-on” formal or informal?

hard-on is generally slang, vulgar.