Sapphic

[saf-ik]

adjective

1. Sometimes sapphic

   1. lesbian.

   2. of, relating to, or being a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women, used especially as an umbrella term for all women who are attracted to women.

2. pertaining to Sappho or to certain meters or a form of strophe or stanza used by or named after her.

noun

1. Greek Literature.,  a verse using certain meters or forms used by or named after Sappho.

2. Slang.,  Sometimes sapphic a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women.

Sapphic

/ ˈsæfɪk /

adjective

1. prosody denoting a metre associated with Sappho, consisting generally of a trochaic pentameter line with a dactyl in the third foot

2. of or relating to Sappho or her poetry

3. lesbian

noun

1. prosody a verse, line, or stanza written in the Sapphic form

Usage

What's the difference between Sapphic and lesbian? See gay ( def. ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sapphic¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; from Latin sapphicus, from Greek sapphikós, equivalent to Sapph(ṓ) the name of a famous Greek poet ( Sappho ( def. ) ) + -ikos adjective suffix; -ic

Example Sentences

For sapphic and queer nightlife in L.A., these shows are a rejuvenating occasion to get dolled up despite a brutal political moment and generally bleak mood for going out in L.A.

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The sapphic nightlife scene in L.A. had been on a generational comeback, with new clubs like East Hollywood’s Honey’s at Star Love, parties like Hot Flash, Lez Croix and Personal Best and cultural events like poetry night Verse4Verse arriving to meet the demand for new spaces and scenes.

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A follow-up to 2023’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” still seems a ways off though, so sapphic nightlife is racing to tap into Chappell’s return to L.A.

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“It’s incredible to see sapphic artists break through and dominate on a level never seen before,” Ordman said.

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In the film, Qualley and her co-star, Aubrey Plaza, who plays a sapphic cop named MG who loves Honey’s “click-clackin’ heels,” frequently turn up the heat together.

Read more on Salon