The most common word for saving your virginity, or refraining from sexual activity until marriage (or any other chosen time), is abstinence.
Abstinence is the conscious decision to avoid sexual intercourse. It's often promoted as the most effective method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Beyond the purely physical aspects, many individuals and groups view abstinence as a way to maintain personal values, strengthen relationships, and prepare for future commitments.
While "celibacy" is also related to abstaining from sex, it often implies a more permanent vow or lifestyle choice, not necessarily tied to the specific act of preserving virginity until a certain point. Abstinence, on the other hand, is more commonly used in the context of premarital sex.
Some prefer to use the phrase "sexual purity" to describe the act of saving one's virginity. However, this term can be controversial due to its association with religious or moral judgments and potentially harmful concepts related to shame and sex.
Therefore, abstinence is the clearest and most widely understood term for saving your virginity.
