English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj B1 Intermediate Very common

Gay

gay

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Gay (adj) means Homosexual; romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex. Example: “He came out as gay to his family last year.”

adj

1

Homosexual; romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

"He came out as gay to his family last year."

"The parade celebrated gay pride and LGBTQ+ rights."

2

Happy, carefree, and full of fun (an older, still-used sense, especially in older writing).

"The children ran through the garden in gay abandon."

noun

1

A homosexual person, especially a man.

"The bar was a popular meeting spot for gays in the city."

How to use Gay

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly today: homosexual. The older meaning of "cheerful/carefree" still shows up in older texts and set phrases.

When to use it

Used as slang for "lame" or "stupid" ("that's so gay") is widely considered offensive and best avoided.

Common pairings

gay rights gay pride gay marriage gay community

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Gays
Third person singular: gays
Past tense: gayed
Comparative: gayer
Superlative: gayest

Test yourself on “Gay” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He came out as _____ to his family last year.

Etymology

From Old French gai ("joyful, lively"). The modern sense meaning "homosexual" developed in the 20th century from earlier slang use, becoming the dominant meaning of the word by the later 1900s.

Origin: Old French · First attested 1900

Class of 1900 Gay joined the language around 1900.

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Synonyms

same-sex attracted lesbian LGBTQ+ cheery festal homophile braw jocund festive brave homosexual homo

Antonyms

sad

Related words

person human happy weather sad afraid festival dare

Rhymes for Gay

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

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Frequently asked questions

What did the word 'gay' originally mean?

For centuries 'gay' meant carefree, bright, or happy, and you can still find that sense in older books and songs. Through the twentieth century it gradually came to mean homosexual, which is now its primary meaning in everyday English. The cheerful sense survives mostly in historical or literary contexts.

What is the meaning of Gay?

"Gay" (adj) means homosexual; romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

What is another word for Gay?

Other words for "Gay" include same-sex attracted, lesbian, LGBTQ+, cheery, festal, homosexual.

What is the opposite of Gay?

The opposite of "Gay" is sad.

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