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

AB is a reluctant transgender athlete pioneer who prefers to be known for so much more than just her gender identity, but the prospect of hiding because she was relentlessly attacked didn’t feel right, either.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

It would ban practices which intend to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The DRA said it "seeks to be inclusive" and it encouraged "all players - irrespective of their biological sex, legal sex, and/or gender identity" to continue competing in open tournaments.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

As the girl’s gender identity was firmly established as female at the time her condition was discovered, a decision to implement feminizing surgery along with corresponding hormonal treatments seems correct.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides