gender binary

American  

[jen-der bahy-nuh-ree, ‐ner-ee] / ˈdʒɛn dər ˌbaɪ nə ri, ‐nɛr i /

noun

1. a classification system consisting of two genders, male and female.

2. a concept or belief that there are only two genders and that one's sex or gender assigned at birth will align with traditional social constructs of masculine and feminine identity, expression, and sexuality. ​

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Etymology

Origin of gender binary

First recorded in 1980–90

Example Sentences

“It’s something that’s been literally stamped out over the course of the Western gender binary that emerged from the Victorian era.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025

"It's so important we continue to have different voices in the room and we continue to showcase folks outside the gender binary."

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2023

Overall, the novel blew the gender binary wide open during a time in which cis-gendered-focused feminism was at its beginnings.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2023

These performers reject strict adherence to sex assigned at birth, mocking the very existence of a gender binary.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2023

While efforts to challenge the gender binary are evident in how we talk, dress for work and wear makeup, a visit to the cocktail bar might transport you back to the 1950s.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023