adj

transsexual

tranz-SEHK-shoo-uhl

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Transsexual (adj) means describing someone who has changed, or is changing, their physical sex through medical treatment such as hormone therapy or surgery. Example: “The documentary followed a transsexual woman through her transition.”

adj

Describing someone who has changed, or is changing, their physical sex through medical treatment such as hormone therapy or surgery.

"The documentary followed a transsexual woman through her transition."

noun

A transsexual person.

"He identified as a transsexual man after completing his transition."

How to use transsexual

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes someone who has medically transitioned to another sex.

When to use it

Largely replaced by "transgender" as the general umbrella term since the 1990s; "transsexual" is now used more narrowly and some prefer to avoid it — follow the preference of the person being described.

Easily confused with

transgender →

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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: transsexuals
Comparative: more transsexual
Superlative: most transsexual

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The documentary followed a _____ woman through her transition.

Etymology

Coined in English in 1949 by physician David Oliver Cauldwell, adapting the German term Transsexualismus coined by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1923.

Origin: German · First attested 1949

Class of 1949 transsexual joined the language around 1949.

darwin

See the full Class of 1949 →

Synonyms

View more →

transgendered transexual transsex transsexed

Related words

transgender transgendered transsex transsexed

Rhymes for transsexual

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

See all rhymes for transsexual →

Frequently asked questions

What does “transsexual” mean?

The word “transsexual” means describing someone who has changed, or is changing, their physical sex through medical treatment such as hormone therapy or surgery. In plain terms, describes someone who has medically transitioned to another sex.

How do you pronounce “transsexual”?

“Transsexual” is pronounced tranz-SEHK-shoo-uhl (/ˌtɹænzˈsɛkʃuəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “transsexual” in a sentence?

Here is “transsexual” used in a sentence: “The documentary followed a transsexual woman through her transition.”

What is another word for “transsexual”?

Words with a similar meaning to “transsexual” include transsex and transsexed.

What part of speech is “transsexual”?

Depending on how it is used, “transsexual” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “transsexual” come from?

The word “transsexual” dates back to around 1949 and comes from German. Coined in English in 1949 by physician David Oliver Cauldwell, adapting the German term Transsexualismus coined by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1923.

How many meanings does “transsexual” have?

“Transsexual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing someone who has changed, or is changing, their physical sex through medical treatment such as hormone therapy or surgery.

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