homosexual

American  

[hoh-muh-sek-shoo-uhl, -seks-yoo-] / ˌhoʊ məˈsɛk ʃu əl, -ˈsɛks yu- /

adjective

1. Often Disparaging and Offensive. sexually attracted to people of one's own sex or gender; gay.

   homosexual couples.

2. Often Disparaging and Offensive. of or relating to sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of one's own sex or gender.

3. Archaic. of, relating to, or noting the same sex.

   She gave birth to homosexual twins.

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noun

1. Often Disparaging and Offensive.

   1. a person, especially a man, who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex or gender.

   2. a person, especially a man, who is sexually attracted exclusively to people of the same sex or gender.

homosexual British  

/ ˌhɒm-, ˌhəʊməʊˈsɛksjʊəl /

noun

1. a person who is sexually attracted to members of the same sex

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adjective

1. of or relating to homosexuals or homosexuality

2. of or relating to the same sex

Sensitive Note

Up until 1973, homosexuality was listed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), psychiatry's standard reference on the classification of mental illness. People aware of this former categorization feel that the term homosexual still carries a negative connotation. And many feel that this word places undue emphasis on sexual activity, or that it sounds overly clinical. In fact, homosexual as an adjective and noun has been mostly replaced by gay except in medical or other formal contexts. People who still use homosexual are usually unaware that the term is a sensitive one, although some do use it with intent to cause offense. However, not all members of the gay community object to it. See also gay.

Other Word Forms

• antihomosexual adjective

Etymology

Origin of homosexual

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexual

Example Sentences

He argued he was simply in favour of choice, that it would be equally permissible to favour homosexual offspring and that it was simply natural to want grandchildren.

From BBC

Strict gender separation common to early 19th century social structures underwent unexpected transformation after the binaries of heterosexual and homosexual were invented in 1869.

From Los Angeles Times

The vast majority were Jews, with Soviet prisoners of war, Sinti and homosexuals among other groups to be engulfed by the horrors of the camp.

From BBC

It is an issue that seems to unite the continent, where homosexual relationships are outlawed in many countries.

From BBC

Like any burgeoning homosexual child, I came equipped with the gay starter pack that included talkativeness and flamboyance.

From Salon