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

The researchers also determined that asexual reproduction probably emerged several times within the group.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2025

These photoreceptors also regulate things like sexual and asexual development and metabolism, accumulation of protective pigments and proteins, and growth.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2025

In the second series, Tobie Donovan’s character Isaac tells the rest of the characters he is asexual, meaning he experiences little or no sexual attraction.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2024

All along the parade route, people waved iterations of flags representing those who are asexual, trans or lesbian —Mexican flags with rainbow stripes signaled pride at intersectional identities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

“And I’m asexual, so I don’t do sexual relationships,” Nemo said.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater