adj
Common
lesbian
LEHZ-bee-uhn
Lesbian (adj) means describing a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women. Example: “She joined a local club for lesbian women who enjoy hiking.”
adj
1
Describing a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
"She joined a local club for lesbian women who enjoy hiking."
"She came out as lesbian in her early twenties."
"The film follows a lesbian couple raising twins."
noun
1
A woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
"Two lesbians who met at university have just opened a bakery together in town."
"My aunt, a lesbian, has shared her home with her partner for many years."
"The bar has been a popular meeting spot for lesbians since the 1980s."
How to use lesbian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA woman attracted to other women, or relating to that identity.
When to use it
Neutral and standard as an identity term; avoid using it as an insult or reducing it to a slang shorthand.
Common pairings
a lesbian couple
identify as lesbian
the lesbian community
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- lesbians
- Past tense
- lesbianed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She joined a local club for _____ women who enjoy hiking.
Etymology
From Lesbos, the Greek island home of the ancient poet Sappho, whose verses about women's love gave the word its meaning.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lesbian
See all rhymes for lesbian →Frequently asked questions
Is "lesbian" an adjective or a noun?
"Lesbian" works as both. As an adjective it describes a woman attracted to other women ("a lesbian couple"), and as a noun it refers to such a woman ("she is a lesbian").
What is the meaning of lesbian?
"lesbian" (adj) means describing a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women.
What is another word for lesbian?
Other words for "lesbian" include gay, homosexual, sapphic, tribade.
What is the opposite of lesbian?
The opposite of "lesbian" is heterosexual.
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