nonbinary

American  

[non-bahy-nuh-ree, ‐nur-ee] / nɒnˈbaɪ nə ri, ‐nɜr i /

Or non-binary

adjective

1. not consisting of, indicating, or involving two.

2. Mathematics. noting or relating to a system of numerical notation that does not have a base of 2.

   The decimal system is nonbinary.

3. noting or relating to a gender identity that does not fit into the binary male/female division. NB

4. relating to, intended for, or common to any gender; gender-neutral; gender-inclusive: The designer is known for nonbinary fashion.

   The website had lists of nonbinary pronouns and honorifics.

   The designer is known for nonbinary fashion.

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Etymology

Origin of nonbinary

First recorded in 1940–45; non- ( def. ) + binary ( def. )

Example Sentences

The decision is a “serious loss” for girls in states with bans, but it’s also not the end, added Sasha Buchert, director of nonbinary and transgender rights at Lambda Legal, who also represented the respondents.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

Leola Davis owns Pansy Esthetics in West Hollywood, one of the few local skincare providers that caters to transgender people and nonbinary people post-operation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

According to the corrections department, 2,405 inmates identify as nonbinary, intersex or transgender.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Now all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors — in New York, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin, London and Sydney — include a nonbinary division for mass participation runners.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

A year after Sasha first posted their nonbinary gender petition, another petition went up on the We the People website.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater