Dildo: A comprehensive guide – from definition and uses to choosing the right one. This guide explains everything you need to know about dildos.
Artificial penis
For medical construction or reconstruction of a penis, see Phalloplasty.
For other meanings, see Dildo (disambiguation).
A dildo, sometimes referred to as an artificial penis, is a type of sex toy commonly designed in a phallic form and intended for sexual penetration or related sexual activities. Dildos are used during masturbation or with sexual partners and are manufactured from a wide range of materials. While many resemble the size and shape of a human penis, there is significant variation in design to accommodate different preferences, bodies, and uses.
Definition
A dildo is a solid, non-living object created primarily for vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Unlike medical prosthetics or penis extensions, dildos are designed for sexual pleasure rather than functional replacement. They are used by people of all genders and sexual orientations, either alone or with partners.
Etymology
The origin of the word “dildo” was long debated. In 2018, the Oxford English Dictionary concluded that the term likely derives from nonsense syllables found in early modern English ballads, similar in style to playful refrains such as “hey diddle diddle.” These sounds gradually became a euphemistic reference to a phallic object.
One early related phrase, “Dil Doul,” referring to a man’s penis, appears in a 17th-century folk song The Maid’s Complaint for Want of a Dil Doul. The word “dildo” also appears in late-16th-century English literature, notably in the works of playwright Thomas Nashe, marking one of its earliest recorded uses.
Alternative theories suggest the term may relate to:
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A phallus-shaped wooden peg used in small boats
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A corruption of the Italian word diletto, meaning “delight”
Terms in Other Languages
The English word dildo has been adopted into many languages, though different cultures have used their own terms since antiquity.
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Ancient Greek: olisbos (ὄλισβος), traditionally made of leather
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French: godemiché, often describing a penis-shaped object with a scrotum
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Spanish: consolador (“consoler”)
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Russian: falloimitator (literally “phallic imitator”)
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Welsh: cala goeg (“fake penis”)
In some languages, the terms are descriptive, subtle, or metaphorical, reflecting cultural attitudes toward sexuality.
Description and Uses
General
A dildo is typically phallic in shape, though not always anatomically exact. It is usually rigid or semi-rigid and designed for repeated insertion. Items intended to remain in place, such as butt plugs, are considered distinct, though related, devices.
Dildos may be used for:
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Solo masturbation
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Partnered sexual activity
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Sexual exploration and intimacy
Materials
Throughout history and into modern times, dildos have been made from a wide variety of materials.
Historical materials
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Stone
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Wood
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Leather
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Bone or ivory
Modern materials
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Medical-grade silicone
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Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE / TPR)
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Glass or metal
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Acrylic
In some cultural or experimental contexts, phallus-shaped foods or objects have been used, though purpose-built sex toys are considered safer due to hygiene and material control.
Shape
Many dildos resemble the human penis with varying degrees of realism, while others adopt abstract or symbolic designs intended to enhance stimulation rather than anatomical accuracy.
Common design variations include:
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Smooth or textured surfaces
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Curved shapes for targeted stimulation
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Oversized or stylized proportions
In certain regions, notably Japan, some dildos are designed to resemble animals or cartoon characters, allowing them to be sold as novelty items under local regulations.
Since the early 2010s, 3D-printed dildos have also become available, offering size and shape customization, though material safety remains a key consideration.
Uses
Most dildos are intended for vaginal or anal penetration, either for self-stimulation or with a partner. Depending on size and design, they may also be used for:
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External stimulation during foreplay
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G-spot or targeted internal stimulation
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Harness-mounted use (strap-on dildos)
Some dildos feature:
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Suction cup bases for hands-free use
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Double-ended designs for shared or simultaneous stimulation
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Compatibility with harnesses or wearable systems
History
Archaeological and artistic evidence suggests that dildo-like objects have existed for tens of thousands of years.
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Upper Paleolithic stone phallic objects (up to 30,000 years old)
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Ancient Egyptian art depicting sexual devices
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Classical Greek pottery showing dildos in both solitary and partnered contexts
Historically, dildos were crafted from materials such as stone, wood, leather, and horn. In medieval Europe and early modern Asia, they appear in medical texts, erotic art, and literature.
The development of modern industrial materials in the 19th and 20th centuries enabled mass production and diversification in size, shape, and texture.
Legal and Ethical Issues
The legality of dildos varies by jurisdiction.
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In some countries, such as India, the sale of dildos remains restricted
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In parts of the United States, laws once banned the sale of “obscene devices”
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Most such bans have since been overturned on privacy grounds, though exceptions remain
Ethical and religious views on dildos differ widely. While some religious groups oppose their use, others view sex toys as compatible with healthy adult sexuality.
Summary
A dildo, or artificial penis, is one of the oldest and most widely recognized forms of sex toy. Its long history across cultures highlights its role not only in sexual pleasure, but also in art, language, law, and social attitudes toward sexuality.