gender identity

American  

noun

1. a person's inner sense of being male, female, or another gender, usually developed during early childhood as a result of parental rearing practices and societal influences and strengthened during puberty by hormonal changes.

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Sensitive Note

One's gender identity may continue to evolve over time and may diverge from the male/female gender division. See the usage note at gender ¹ .

Example Sentences

“People who struggle with their gender identity deserve compassion, sensitivity, and respect,” the lawsuit says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Das, who grew up in the eastern state of Odisha, said institutional support for understanding gender identity was already scarce.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Department of Housing and Urban Development has for years interpreted the law as banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Hate crimes which target people on the grounds of their sexuality or gender identity, or a disability, are set to become aggravated offences under a proposed new law.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

He paid attention to the way I coughed, laughed, scratched my head, spoke; in sum, all the external manifestations of what he called my gender identity.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides