Sex Positions Glossary

Missionary
The missionary position involves one partner lying on their back while the other partner lies face-to-face on top. This classic position allows for intimate eye contact, deep connection, and easy communication. It’s often considered accessible for beginners and can be adapted with pillows or leg placements to change depth and angle of penetration.

Cowgirl / Woman on Top
In this position, one partner sits or kneels on top of their partner, facing them, controlling the pace and depth of movement. Cowgirl allows the partner on top to lead the rhythm, which can enhance pleasure and provide clitoral stimulation during vaginal intercourse. Variations include leaning forward or backward for different sensations.

Reverse Cowgirl
Reverse cowgirl is a variation of the cowgirl position, where the partner on top faces away from the partner lying beneath them. This angle emphasizes visual stimulation of the back and buttocks, while allowing the top partner to control motion and depth. It’s a popular variation for both visual appeal and physical control.

Doggy Style
Doggy style involves one partner kneeling or standing behind the other partner, who may be on hands and knees. This position allows for deep penetration and access to the back, buttocks, and hips. It is often associated with heightened physical sensation and can be modified with pillows or height adjustments for comfort and angle.

Spooning
Spooning involves lying on one side with one partner positioned behind the other, hugging closely. This position is intimate and relaxing, allowing for penetrative or non-penetrative sex. Spooning is particularly suitable for prolonged sexual activity, gentle stimulation, or when comfort and closeness are priorities.

Sixty-Nine (69)
Sixty-nine is a sexual position where two partners perform oral sex on each other simultaneously. Partners align head-to-genitals in opposite directions. This position allows for mutual pleasure but may require coordination and focus to balance giving and receiving stimulation effectively.

Standing Sex
Standing sex occurs when both partners are upright, either fully or with one partner lifted. This position can be practical for spontaneous encounters or limited space. It often requires balance, strength, and coordination, and can be modified with support (walls, furniture) for safety and comfort.

Legs-on-Shoulders / Elevated Penetration
In this variation, one partner elevates their legs (onto the other partner’s shoulders or hips) to allow deeper penetration. This position can intensify sensation, alter angles, and target erogenous zones differently than flat positions. Communication is essential to ensure comfort and avoid strain.

Face-to-Face Sitting
In face-to-face sitting, both partners sit upright, facing each other, often with legs intertwined. This position fosters intimacy, eye contact, and full-body contact. It can accommodate various forms of penetration and allows partners to control rhythm together.

Scissoring
Scissoring is a position typically associated with vulva-having partners, where bodies are intertwined in a way that allows for genital-to-genital stimulation. It emphasizes clitoral contact and mutual sensation and can be adapted with variations in leg and hip placement.

Lotus Position
In the lotus position, one partner sits cross-legged while the other sits on their lap, facing them, wrapping legs around the waist. This position allows for deep intimacy, eye contact, and close physical connection. It is ideal for slow, sensual intercourse and can enhance emotional closeness while providing control over movement and rhythm.

Chair Sex
Chair sex involves one partner sitting on a chair while the other straddles them, either facing toward or away from the seated partner. This position is practical for limited spaces and allows for controlled thrusting and deep penetration. It also emphasizes intimacy, as partners are usually close together and can maintain eye contact.

Bridge / Tabletop
In the bridge position, the partner lying underneath arches their back (supported by shoulders and feet) while the other partner kneels or stands for penetration. This position can create deeper angles of penetration and target specific erogenous zones. Strength, flexibility, and communication are key to avoiding strain.

Reverse Spoon / Back-to-Back Variation
Reverse spooning involves partners lying side by side but facing opposite directions, with one partner penetrating from behind while both maintain a relaxed posture. This variation is intimate, comfortable, and allows for gentle, prolonged sexual activity without excessive strain.

Wheelbarrow
The wheelbarrow position involves one partner supporting their weight on their hands while the other holds their legs (typically from behind). This position allows for deep penetration but requires strength, balance, and flexibility. It is often considered advanced and is best attempted with communication and caution.

Standing Lift
In standing lift sex, one partner lifts the other while maintaining penetration. This can be done against a wall, on furniture, or in open space. It emphasizes physical strength and balance, and it’s often used for spontaneous, high-energy encounters. Communication and safety are critical to prevent strain or injury.

Reverse Lotus
Reverse lotus is a variation of the lotus position, where the partner on top faces away from the seated partner. This position combines intimacy with visual stimulation, control over movement, and targeted penetration angles. As with all lotus variations, balance and flexibility are important.

Butterfly
The butterfly position involves one partner lying on their back at the edge of a bed or table, while the other stands or kneels for penetration. The partner on the edge lifts their hips to adjust the angle. This position allows deep penetration, visual stimulation, and creative use of space.

T-Position / Cross Position
In the T-position, one partner lies flat while the other lies perpendicular across them, forming a “T” shape. This allows for side penetration and unique angles of stimulation. It can be adapted for vaginal or anal sex and may enhance clitoral or G-spot stimulation depending on positioning.

The Amazon / Straddle Back
One partner lies on their stomach while the other straddles them, either facing forward or backward. This position allows for deep penetration and can create a sensation of dominance or control for the top partner. It can also be combined with manual or oral stimulation for added pleasure.

Cat-Cow / Modified Doggy
This variation of doggy-style involves the receiving partner arching or lowering their back, similar to the yoga-inspired cat-cow stretch. It allows for deep penetration while giving the penetrating partner different angles of access. Communication is important to ensure comfort and avoid strain on the lower back.

Cowgirl Lean-Forward
A variation of the cowgirl position, the top partner leans forward toward the partner lying beneath them. This allows for deeper vaginal or anal penetration and clitoral stimulation for the person on top. Using pillows for support can improve comfort and sustain the position longer.

Side-by-Side / Lazy Dog
In this position, both partners lie on their sides facing the same direction. The partner behind penetrates from the side, similar to spooning but with more lateral access. This position is ideal for slow, intimate sex and is especially comfortable for extended sessions or during pregnancy.

Standing Rear Entry
The standing rear entry position has the receiving partner leaning forward (against a wall, counter, or furniture) while the penetrating partner enters from behind. It allows for deep penetration and can be adapted for quickies or spontaneous encounters. Support and balance are essential to prevent slipping or strain.

Lap Dance / Straddle Seated
The partner on top straddles the seated partner, either facing them or backward. This is similar to chair sex but can also occur on a bed, couch, or floor. It offers intimacy, eye contact, and control over pace and depth, while remaining accessible for most couples.

Reverse Missionary / Leg-Up Variation
In this variation of missionary, the bottom partner raises their legs onto the shoulders or chest of the top partner. This changes penetration angle and depth, which can increase clitoral or G-spot stimulation. Pillows or cushions can enhance comfort and prevent strain.

The Pretzel
The pretzel position involves one partner lying on their side while the other lifts one leg over the bottom partner’s body to allow angled penetration. This can be used for vaginal or anal sex and allows for clitoral or G-spot targeting. Flexibility and communication are recommended for comfort.

The X-Position
In the X-position, partners lie perpendicular to each other, creating an “X” shape. This position allows for creative angles of penetration and intimate body contact. Adjustments may be needed to align hips and ensure comfort for both partners.

Standing Facing / Face-to-Face
Both partners stand, facing each other, for penetrative sex. This position is ideal for intimate, full-body contact and eye contact. Balance, height compatibility, and support (wall or furniture) are important considerations.

The Chair Lift
A more advanced variation of chair sex, where one partner lifts the seated partner slightly while penetrating. This allows for deeper angles and dynamic movement. Strength, coordination, and communication are essential to avoid injury.

Leg-Over / Standard Lift
In this position, the receiving partner lies on their back while the penetrating partner lifts one or both of their legs over the top partner’s shoulders or arms. This allows for deeper penetration, varied angles, and enhanced stimulation of erogenous zones like the G-spot or prostate. Pillows or cushions can help with comfort and support.

The Cowgirl Back Arch
A variation of cowgirl where the top partner leans backward while straddling their partner. This angle shifts pressure and allows different stimulation, especially for vaginal penetration. Support for the back or hips may enhance comfort and prevent strain during longer sessions.

The Butterfly / Edge-of-Bed
The receiving partner lies on their back at the edge of the bed or table while the penetrating partner stands or kneels in front. This position allows for deep penetration and visual stimulation. Adjusting the receiving partner’s hips and legs can target specific erogenous zones.

The Cross / X-Fold
The partners’ bodies are intertwined in a cross-like pattern, with penetration occurring at an angle. This allows unique stimulation and access to erogenous zones that may not be reached in traditional positions. Communication and flexibility are essential to maintain comfort and rhythm.

The Lap Pillow
The receiving partner lies with their hips on the lap or thighs of the seated partner. This creates a supportive angle for penetration while allowing intimacy, eye contact, and hand stimulation simultaneously. It’s particularly effective for slow, sensual sex.

The Crab / Reverse Tabletop
The receiving partner lies on their back and lifts their hips off the bed while the penetrating partner kneels or stands. This position allows for a deeper angle of penetration and can create unique pressure on the clitoris or prostate. Proper support of the hips and balance is essential.

The Spider
The receiving partner lies on their back while lifting their legs and wrapping them around the penetrating partner, who may kneel or stand. This position increases intensity and depth of penetration while allowing for full-body contact and eye contact. Flexibility and communication are recommended.

The Seated Scoop
One partner sits upright while the other straddles them in a scooping motion, leaning back slightly. This position allows for both partners to control pace and depth while maintaining intimacy and touch. It’s often used for vaginal, anal, or strap-on play.

The T-Spin
A variation of the T-position, where one partner adjusts their hips or legs to create a twisting angle of penetration. This can heighten stimulation for both partners and allow access to multiple erogenous zones. Comfort, flexibility, and communication are essential.

The Arch / Elevated Missionary
In this position, the receiving partner arches their back (using pillows or a firm surface) while the penetrating partner lies on top. The arch changes penetration angle, enhances stimulation, and can increase pleasure for both partners. Back support and careful movement are important to prevent strain.

The Amazon / Reverse Straddle
One partner lies on their stomach while the other straddles them, facing forward or backward. This position allows for deep penetration and visual stimulation, giving the top partner control over pace and depth. It can also be combined with manual or oral stimulation for added pleasure.

The Wheelbarrow / Advanced Rear Entry
The receiving partner supports their weight on their hands while the penetrating partner holds their legs from behind. This position allows for intense penetration angles but requires strength, balance, and flexibility. Communication and safety are critical to avoid injury.

The Standing Lift / Elevated Embrace
One partner lifts the other fully or partially during penetration, often against a wall or sturdy surface. This position emphasizes intimacy and physicality but requires balance and strength. Support and caution are important to prevent strain or falls.

The Pretzel Dip
A variation of the pretzel position where the receiving partner lies on their side and folds one leg over the top partner’s body while penetrating occurs at an angled depth. This position allows for clitoral or G-spot stimulation and can create a new sensation of pressure and contact.

The Spider Climb
The receiving partner lies on their back with legs raised and wrapped around the penetrating partner, who may kneel or stand. This angle allows intense penetration and full-body contact. Flexibility, communication, and pacing are essential for comfort and sustained pleasure.

The Lotus Spin
A variation of the lotus position where one partner rotates or leans slightly to the side, creating a twisting angle of penetration. This allows both partners to explore different sensations and maintain intimate body contact while adjusting stimulation.

The Bridge Lift
The bottom partner forms a bridge by arching their back, supported by shoulders and feet, while the penetrating partner kneels or stands. This creates a deep angle of penetration, allowing stimulation of erogenous zones in new ways. Stability and support are crucial.

The Butterfly Lift / Elevated Edge
The receiving partner lies at the edge of a bed or table while lifting their hips or legs for penetration from a standing or kneeling partner. This angle allows for deep penetration, visual stimulation, and adjustments for targeted pleasure. Pillows or support surfaces improve comfort.

The Cross-Legged Embrace
Both partners sit facing each other with legs intertwined, creating full-body contact. This position allows for deep intimacy, eye contact, and control of rhythm and movement. It is suitable for vaginal, anal, or strap-on penetration and can be combined with manual or oral stimulation.

The Side Lift / Elevated Spoon
A variation of spooning where the receiving partner’s hips or legs are elevated while the penetrating partner enters from behind. This position provides deep penetration while maintaining comfort and intimacy. Pillows or cushions are recommended for support.

Spooning with Leg Lift
A variation of traditional spooning, where the receiving partner lifts one leg while the penetrating partner enters from behind. This position allows deeper penetration and more direct stimulation of erogenous zones while keeping the overall posture comfortable for prolonged sessions.

Pregnancy-Friendly Side-by-Side
For pregnant partners, lying on the side with the other partner behind (similar to spooning) reduces pressure on the abdomen and pelvis while allowing penetrative or non-penetrative sexual activity. Pillows can be used to support the belly or hips, enhancing comfort and safety.

Chair-Assisted Position
The receiving partner sits on a chair while the other stands or kneels in front for penetration. This position is helpful for couples with limited mobility or strength, as it reduces strain on knees and back while allowing intimacy and eye contact.

Cushion Elevation
The receiving partner lies on their back with hips elevated using cushions or pillows while the penetrating partner kneels or stands. This allows for targeted stimulation of the G-spot or prostate while keeping the position accessible and comfortable.

Side-by-Side Front-to-Front
Both partners lie on their sides facing each other, legs intertwined. This position encourages eye contact, close physical touch, and gentle penetration. It’s suitable for slow, intimate sessions, and can easily accommodate partners with limited mobility.

Modified Doggie / Pillow Support
A variation of doggy-style where pillows support the receiving partner’s hips or knees, reducing strain on the knees and lower back. This allows deeper penetration and more control for the penetrating partner while keeping comfort a priority.

The Reclined Cowgirl
The receiving partner reclines slightly on their back while the penetrating partner straddles them in a cowgirl position. This reduces strain on the bottom partner’s hips or back while allowing the top partner to control pace, angle, and rhythm.

Leg Stack / Side Variation
The receiving partner lies on their side, stacking legs on top of each other while the other partner penetrates from behind. This position allows deeper access and is less physically demanding than standing or kneeling positions.

Kneeling Intimacy
Both partners kneel, facing each other or in a rear-entry variation, while maintaining close physical contact. This position can enhance intimacy and eye contact while remaining accessible for those with moderate strength or flexibility.

The Cozy Cradle
One partner lies back with the other partner lying on top or partially on them, creating a cradle-like embrace. This position allows full-body contact, intimacy, and gentle penetration, making it ideal for slow, sensual sessions or for partners seeking closeness over intensity

Face-to-Face Elevated / Tabletop
One partner lies on their back while the other partner leans over them from a raised surface such as a table, counter, or bed edge. This position allows deep penetration and visual intimacy while providing room for creative stimulation, including manual or oral contact.

Bondage-Friendly Rear Entry
This variation of rear-entry sex involves using restraints, such as handcuffs or rope, safely and consensually. The restrained partner lies prone or kneels while the penetrating partner enters from behind. Communication, negotiation, and safety measures are critical to prevent injury or discomfort.

Suspension / Harness Position
Using a sex swing or harness, one partner is partially or fully suspended while the other penetrates or stimulates them. This position allows unique angles and prolonged activity with reduced strain, but it requires secure equipment, experience, and strong communication.

Edge Play / Temperature Integration
This category includes positions where novelty sensations like ice, hot wax, or other safe temperature play are combined with penetration. For example, a partner may be lying on their back while the other applies heat or cold to the genitals or erogenous zones. Safety, consent, and testing temperature tolerance are essential.

Standing Lift with Restraint
A kink-friendly variation where one partner lifts the other while using safe restraints or furniture for support. This allows deep penetration and erotic visual stimulation but requires strength, balance, and prior negotiation to ensure safety.

Over-the-Knee / Discipline Position
One partner lies over the other’s lap or a flat surface while the other applies controlled stimulation or spanking. This position is often used in dominance/submission dynamics and can include penetration, manual stimulation, or erotic spanking. Safety, consent, and communication are essential.

Chair Strap-On / Harness Position
One partner sits in a chair or on the edge of a surface while the other, using a strap-on harness, penetrates them. This position allows control, visual access, and comfort for both participants, especially in kink or role-play scenarios.

Suspended Cowgirl / Swing Variation
Using a sex swing or hanging apparatus, one partner straddles the other in a cowgirl-like orientation while suspended. This allows unusual angles, weightless sensation, and creative access to penetration or stimulation. Proper installation and safety precautions are required.

The Cross-Arch
A position where one partner arches backward or sideways while the other penetrates at an angle, creating a cross-like alignment of bodies. This can enhance stimulation of erogenous zones and offer a novel visual or tactile experience. Flexibility and communication are recommended.

Novelty Straddle / Multi-Sensory
This encompasses playful positions that incorporate props, furniture, or sensory elements like blindfolds, feathers, or temperature variations. It encourages exploration, consent, and creativity while maintaining safety and mutual pleasure.

The Standing Wheelbarrow / Advanced Lift
A more advanced variation of the wheelbarrow, where one partner supports themselves on their hands while the other lifts their legs fully or partially. This allows deep penetration and dynamic movement. Strength, balance, and clear communication are essential to prevent injury.

The Bridge Twist / Side Arch
In this variation, the bottom partner forms a bridge while slightly twisting their hips or torso. The penetrating partner adjusts their angle accordingly. This creates unique stimulation for erogenous zones and can enhance both visual and physical sensations. Pillows or supports help maintain comfort.

The Infinity / Intertwined Legs
Both partners lie on their sides with legs intricately intertwined, creating multiple angles of penetration and skin-to-skin contact. This position is intimate, flexible, and suitable for slow, sensual sessions. Communication ensures comfort and rhythm.

The Reclined Scissors
A variation of scissoring, where both partners lie partially reclined, overlapping in a way that maximizes clitoral contact and genital stimulation. This position emphasizes mutual pleasure and body connection. Flexibility and alignment are important to avoid strain.

The Pretzel Lift / Advanced Twist
Combining the pretzel and lift concepts, one partner folds their legs over or around the other partner while slightly elevating their hips. This creates deep penetration angles and intense clitoral or G-spot stimulation. Communication and flexibility are key to comfort.

The Kneeling Back Arch
The receiving partner kneels with a pronounced back arch while the penetrating partner enters from behind. This provides intense angles for stimulation and visual access. Strength, balance, and caution are important to prevent lower back strain.

The Chair Fold / Edge Exploration
One partner sits on a chair while the other folds over or straddles them at the edge, allowing unusual penetration angles and creative stimulation. This position is accessible for couples seeking novelty without extreme physical demand.

Inclusive / Adapted Positions
These positions are tailored for people with mobility limitations, prosthetics, or other physical needs. Examples include side-lying modifications, supportive pillows, and seated variations. Communication, comfort, and safety are emphasized, ensuring pleasure and accessibility for all partners.

The Sensory Play Straddle
A novelty or kink-inspired position where one partner straddles the other while incorporating sensory elements such as blindfolds, feathers, ice, or temperature play. This enhances arousal through touch, anticipation, and erotic exploration. Safety, consent, and clear boundaries are essential.

The Experimental Twist / Creative Fusion
A flexible category for partners experimenting with novel combinations of angles, props, or multi-sensory stimulation. It encourages communication, consent, and mutual exploration while emphasizing pleasure, comfort, and safety. This position underscores that intimacy can be playful, creative, and adaptive to each couple’s preferences.