sexual

¹

[ sek-shoo-uhlor, especially British, seks-yoo- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for sex:

   Publicly discussing sexual matters was frowned upon in those days.

   The store is known for selling sexual aids.

2. occurring between or involving the sexes:

   In humans, melatonin concentrations are related to sexual maturation, with significant decreases occurring at the onset of puberty.

3. having sexual organs or reproducing by processes involving both sexes:

   The patterns of genetic variation in sexual species tend to be very different from those in asexual species.

-sexual

²

1. a combining form extracted from heterosexual and homosexual, used to describe a person's sexual orientation or identity: polysexual.

   pansexual;

   polysexual.

2. a combining form extracted from metrosexual, used to describe a person's lifestyle, appearance, or way of dressing with regard to attracting or choosing a romantic partner: lumbersexual.

   vegansexual;

   lumbersexual.

sexual

/ ˈsɛksjʊəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by sex or sexuality
2. See asexual
   (of reproduction) characterized by the union of male and female gametes Compare asexual

Derived Forms

• ˈsexually, adverb

Other Words From

• sex·u·al·ly adverb
• an·ti·sex·u·al adjective
• an·ti·sex·u·al·ly adverb
• non·sex·u·al adjective noun
• non·sex·u·al·ly adverb
• un·sex·u·al adjective
• un·sex·u·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin sexuālis, from sexu(s) sex + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual¹

C17: from Late Latin sexuālis ; see sex

Example Sentences

Consider the response of photographer Jonathan Leder when The Cut asked him about Ratajkowski’s allegations of sexual misconduct.

From Fortune

Our government should never have represented the issue of sexual harassment in the way that it did.

From Ozy

Frollo’s sexual hypocrisy and raging hatred of Esmeralda, the object of his desires, makes him the perfect allegory for modern-day homophobes.

From Vox

Apple pointed out that its guidelines prohibit “overtly sexual or pornographic material” and stressed it has a responsibility to provide a safe and trusted place for users to get apps.

From Fortune

Louisiana’s hate crimes law includes sexual orientation, but not gender identity.

From Washington Blade

The CDA was passed not in the name of censorship but in the name of protecting children from stumbling across sexual material.

From The Daily Beast

But he, like many people using dating apps whatever their sexual identity, remains stoutly positive.

From The Daily Beast

Yeah, the “Giant man-puppy” that is Gronkowski won't hold a sexual candle to the blue-eyed dreamboat.

From The Daily Beast

Early on, the sexual protagonist complains that her Molson-drinking husband is pretty much an incompetent Neanderthal.

From The Daily Beast

It also contains some clunky passages of adultery, temptations of the flesh, and general sexual awkwardness.

From The Daily Beast

The sexual cycle can take place only within the body of one genus of mosquito, anopheles.

From Project Gutenberg

With regard to the effects on the sexual powers, I have not sufficient data upon which to found positive rules.

From Project Gutenberg

Darwin's view that it may have been a result of sexual selection seems the most probable explanation.

From Project Gutenberg

There have been waves of sexual crime in various countries at various times.

From Project Gutenberg

In Monmouthshire last year there was an increase of 88 per cent in sexual offences.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carnal
• erotic
• intimate
• passionate
• reproductive
• sensual