demisexual

American  

[dem-ee-sek-shoo-uhl] / ˌdɛm iˈsɛk ʃu əl /

adjective

1. noting or relating to a person who is sexually attracted only to people with whom they already have an emotional bond.

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noun

1. a person who is sexually attracted only to people with whom they already have an emotional bond.

Etymology

Origin of demisexual

First recorded in 2005–10; demi- ( def. ) + sexual ( def. )

Example Sentences

Her description of herself as demisexual got a lot of viewers wondering what the term "demisexual" means.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024

Howell said she was demisexual, meaning she only feels attracted to someone after she forms a strong emotional bond with them.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

However, that data didn’t include other people in the ace community who identify as demisexual or graysexual, and other data sets have suggested that the number could be higher.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2024

Ms. Teah, who is demisexual, plans to marry Ms. Roberts, who has been her best friend since the sixth grade.

From New York Times • May 1, 2021

I’m afraid that as I finally begin to seek out my own queer community in my city, she’ll start up again about demisexual exclusion and PDA.

From Slate • Jul. 13, 2020