adjective
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provoking or intended to provoke sexual interest
a sexy dress
a sexy book
-
feeling sexual interest; aroused
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interesting, exciting, or trendy
a sexy project
a sexy new car
Usage
What is a basic definition of sexy? Sexy describes something as arousing interest related to sex, having a large amount of sex-related content, or being very exciting. If something is sexy, it causes sexual arousal in people who are exposed to it or it is designed to emphasize sexual matters. Sexy can be used to describe both other people and objects. A person may describe themselves as sexy if they feel confident and attractive. Something that is more sexually arousing than something else is sexier, and something that is the most arousing is sexiest.
- Real-life examples: Models often wear sexy clothing in advertisements. Exotic dancers perform sexy dances to entertain customers. People magazine annually ranks the sexiest men alive.
- Used in a sentence: The actor recited the lines using a sexy voice.
- Real-life examples: Pornography often takes the form of sexy movies. Romance novels are often (but not always) sexy books. Singer Barry White is famous for writing many sexy songs.
- Used in a sentence: Joe hid his sexy magazines so his little brother wouldn’t find them.
- Real-life examples: A shiny new sports car might be described as a sexy car. A laptop that is sleek and eye catching may be said to have a sexy design.
- Used in a sentence: Paying your rent might not be sexy, but it keeps a roof over your head.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sexy
Explanation
If a movie review describes an actor as sexy, it means he's extremely attractive and appealing. These days, this word can also be used to describe anything exciting or stylish: you might wish your old flip phone had all the sexy features of a sleek smartphone but, hey, at least you can make calls! When a person is described as sexy, they're interesting in a romantic or arousing way. A sexy song might be incredibly romantic, made for slow dancing, or an ad might tout sexy shoes that look amazing and will be the envy of all your friends. The word sexy is often used more broadly to refer to appealing or enticing things — clothes, cars, even ideas. Before sexy was coined, around 1905, the equivalent word was sexful.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Along with frontman Errol Brown, Wilson co-wrote hits such as You Sexy Thing and Emma, which took the band to the top of the charts in the 1970s, before leaving to start a solo career.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
Thorne has been in show business since she was about 10, when she appeared on the TV series “Dirty Sexy Money” for two seasons.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 15, 2025
An outdoor market in El Paso, Texas, will feature a car show, vendors and live music from Krystall Poppin, Ka$h Go Crazy and 2 Sexy Ashley.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024
There are transplants from London, too, such as Sexy Fish Miami and Novikov Miami, both of which are downtown.
From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023
The Beatles' White Album was playing Sexy Sadie, a song satirizing an Indian guru.
From Take Me for a Ride: coming of age in a destructive cult by Laxer, Mark Eliot
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
