adj Common

homosexual

ho-moh-SEHKS-yoo-uhl

Homosexual (adj) means Attracted romantically or sexually to people of the same sex. Example: “The novel follows a homosexual relationship set in 1950s London.”

adj

Attracted romantically or sexually to people of the same sex.

"The novel follows a homosexual relationship set in 1950s London."

noun

A person who is attracted to people of the same sex.

"Older surveys often failed to properly represent homosexuals in their data."

How to use homosexual

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA clinical-sounding term for being attracted to the same sex; "gay" and "lesbian" are now more commonly used in everyday speech.

When to use it

"Homosexual" can sound clinical or dated in casual conversation; "gay" or "lesbian" is generally preferred by the community.

Easily confused with

heterosexual → bisexual →

Word forms

more homosexual comparative, homosexuals plural, most homosexual superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The novel follows a _____ relationship set in 1950s London.

Etymology

Coined in German in 1868 by Karl-Maria Kertbeny from Greek homo- ("same") + Latin sexualis, and later carried into English.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1868

Class of 1868 homosexual joined the language around 1868.

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Synonyms

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gay lesbian same-sex attracted homophile like that queer similisexual that way

Antonyms

heterosexual straight hetero

Related words

such happy thus straight direct active directly Gay

Rhymes for homosexual

dual equal usual sexual manual annual actual ritual mutual casual visual accrual

See all rhymes for homosexual →

Frequently asked questions

Is homosexual used as both a noun and an adjective?

Yes. As an adjective, homosexual describes attraction to the same sex, as in 'homosexual relationships.' As a noun, it refers to a person who has that attraction, though many people prefer terms like 'gay man' or 'lesbian' when referring to a specific person.

What is the difference between homosexual and bisexual?

Homosexual describes attraction exclusively to people of one's own sex, while bisexual describes attraction to more than one sex or gender.

What is the meaning of homosexual?

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

What is another word for homosexual?

Other words for "homosexual" include gay, lesbian, same-sex attracted, homophile, like that, queer.

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