dyke
1[ dahyk ]
/ daɪk /
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noun, verb, dyked, dyk·ing.
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Words nearby dyke
Definition for dyke (2 of 2)
dyke2
[ dahyk ]
/ daɪk /
noun Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
a contemptuous term used to refer to a lesbian.
Also dike .
Origin of dyke
2First recorded in 1940–45; earlier in form bulldike (with a variant bulldagger); of obscure origin; claimed to be a shortening of morphodyke (variant of morphodite, a reshaping of hermaphrodite), though morphodyke is more likely a blend of morphodite and a preexisting dyke; other hypothesized connections, such as with diked out or dike “ditch,” are dubious on semantic grounds
usage note for dyke
The terms dyke and bull dyke are used with disparaging intent and are perceived as insulting. However, they have been adopted as positive terms of self-reference by young or radical lesbians and in the academic community. In the mainstream gay community, lesbian and gay remain the terms of choice.
OTHER WORDS FROM dyke
dyk·ey, adjective, dyk·i·er, dyk·i·est.Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for dyke
British Dictionary definitions for dyke (1 of 3)
dyke1
dike
/ (daɪk) /
noun
verb
civil engineering an embankment or wall built to confine a river to a particular course
(tr) to protect, enclose, or drain (land) with a dyke
Word Origin for dyke
C13: modification of Old English dic ditch; compare Old Norse dīki ditch
British Dictionary definitions for dyke (2 of 3)
dyke2
dike
/ (daɪk) /
noun
slang a lesbian
Word Origin for dyke
C20: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for dyke (3 of 3)
Dyke
/ (dɑɪk) /
noun
Greg (ory). born 1947, British television executive; director-general of the BBC (2000–04)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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