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

Calamia backed into an activism career when in 2022 he led a campaign pressuring San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers race to let nonbinary participants win awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Marathon doesn’t have a professional nonbinary division for runners to win prize money in, it does award the top three nonbinary finishers with a trophy or a medal as well as inclusion in post-race press.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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 retired US Army sergeant named Jamie Shupe receives permission from an Oregon court to legally change their gender to nonbinary, becoming the first US person to do so.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater