The meaning of CARNAL is relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites. How to use carnal in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Carnal.

CARNAL definition: pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual. See examples of carnal used in a sentence.

/ ˈkɑr·n ə l / Add to word list relating to the physical feelings and desires of the body (Definition of carnal from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

carnal in British English (ˈkɑːnəl ) adjective relating to the appetites and passions of the body; sensual; fleshly

Definition of carnal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. Relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites: carnal desire. 2. Worldly or earthly; temporal: the carnal world. 3. Of or relating to the body or flesh; bodily: carnal remains.

Carnal generally refers to physical or bodily pleasures or desires, often of a sexual nature. It pertains to things that are not spiritual but rather concerned with the flesh or material and sensual aspects of life.

Jul 31, 2025 · carnal (comparative more carnal, superlative most carnal) Relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites or activities. quotations

Carnal, sensual, fleshly, animal all refer to bodily rather than rational or spiritual aspects of humans. Carnal, although it may refer to the body as opposed to the spirit, often refers to sexual needs or …

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective carnal, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.