virgin

Virgin refers to a person who has not engaged in sexual intercourse. The concept is culturally loaded and varies by society; virginity is not a medical diagnosis; definitions can depend on context, gender, and consent; physical signs are unreliable, and many people view virginity as a social or personal notion rather than a fixed state.

In many religious and cultural traditions, virginity is associated with purity, virtue, or marital preparation. Rites of passage, marriage expectations, or gender norms have shaped its meaning. Contemporary discussions emphasize autonomy and consent; some cultures discourage invasive practices to 'test' virginity; modern scientific understanding treats sexual experience as a spectrum rather than a single state.

Virgin is also a prominent brand name. The Virgin Group, founded by Richard Branson in the 1970s, uses the word to convey simplicity and audacity. Its ventures include Virgin Atlantic (airline), Virgin Records (music), Virgin Galactic (spaceflight), Virgin Mobile, and Virgin Money (bank). The brand has expanded into travel, media, and financial services; some operations have changed ownership over time.

The word is also used in religious contexts, notably the Virgin Mary in Christian tradition, referring to Mary as a maiden who bore Jesus. The usage in brand names has no necessary relation to this religious sense.