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noun

enby

EN-bee

Enby (noun) means a person whose gender is not exclusively male or female; a non-binary person. Example: “As an enby, they use they/them pronouns at work.”

noun
1
A person whose gender is not exclusively male or female; a non-binary person.
"As an enby, they use they/them pronouns at work."
"The panel included two trans men and an enby."
adjective
1
Non-binary; relating to a gender identity that is neither wholly male nor wholly female.
"She writes about enby representation in games."

How to Use Enby

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal word for someone who is neither a man nor a woman.

When to use it

Informal, community-originated; common online and in LGBTQ+ contexts, rare in formal writing.

Memory tip

The plural is 'enbies'.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
non-binary genderqueer agender trans
Common pairings
an enby friend enby pride enby representation
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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

As an _____, they use they/them pronouns at work.

Etymology

A spelt-out pronunciation of the initialism NB, standing for 'non-binary'.

Origin: English

non-binary person genderqueer person NB non-binary genderqueer

Related Words

Rhymes for enby

See all rhymes for enby →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'enby' offensive?

It originated within the non-binary community and is generally used affectionately or neutrally, but not everyone likes it, and some feel it sounds infantilising. Use 'non-binary person' unless you know the individual uses 'enby' for themselves.

What is the difference between enby and non-binary?

They mean the same thing; 'enby' is the informal noun form, spelt out from the abbreviation NB. 'Non-binary' works as an adjective in all registers, while 'enby' is casual and mostly online.

Is an enby the same as trans?

Non-binary people fall under the transgender umbrella in the broad sense that their gender differs from the one assigned at birth, and many identify as trans. Others do not use the label for themselves, so follow the person's own wording.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial