asexual

American  

[ey-sek-shoo-uhl] / eɪˈsɛk ʃu əl /

adjective

1. Zoology, Botany.

   1. having no organs of reproduction.

      In nature, there are numerous examples of asexual plant and animal species.

   2. independent of sexual processes, especially not involving the union of male and female germ cells.

      Asexual reproduction is common among echinoderms such as starfish, basket stars, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.

2. experiencing little or no sexual attraction to other people.

   a woman who identifies as asexual.

3. not involving sex or sexual feelings; nonsexual: an asexual hug.

   an asexual friendship;

   an asexual hug.

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noun

1. a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to other people.

asexual British  

/ æ-, eɪˈsɛksjʊəl, ˌæ-, eɪˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having no apparent sex or sex organs

2. (of reproduction) not involving the fusion of male and female gametes, as in vegetative reproduction, fission, or budding

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Usage

What does asexual mean? A person who is asexual experiences no sexual attraction to others. Asexual people still experience romantic attraction and may participate in sexual activity. Asexuality is not the same thing as celibacy or abstinence. It’s not a choice or disorder. It is a sexual orientation that falls on a spectrum, and includes diverse identities, behaviors, and attractions. What are some other words related to asexual?affectional orientationaromanticbisexualdemisexualomnisexualpansexualsexual orientationgray-asexuality

Other Word Forms

• asexuality
  noun
• asexually
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of asexual

First recorded in 1820–30; a- ⁶ + sexual

Example Sentences

Kerewin Holmes is a part-Maori artist, asexual and autonomous, who lives in a tall stone tower she built herself overlooking the sea on New Zealand’s South Island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

They remain underground for most of their lives and appear above the soil only during flowering season, and some species reproduce only through asexual means.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2025

He wasn't necessarily gay actually, he was probably asexual, but that whole kind of thing of an alternative sexuality was certainly not generally in most circles accepted.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

Cassie Carpenter, an entertainment reporter who identifies as asexual, makes it a point to attend every event Rigal puts on.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2025

I think about going back to being an asexual sea sponge, and I cry more.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King