homosexual

[ hoh-muh-sek-shoo-uhlor, especially British, -seks-yoo- ]

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.

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

/ ˌhɒm-; ˌhəʊməʊˈsɛksjʊəl /

noun

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

adjective

1. of or relating to homosexuals or homosexuality
2. of or relating to the same sex

Usage Alert

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. gay.

Other Words From

• an·ti·ho·mo·sex·u·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of homosexual¹

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexual

Example Sentences

He and McCarthy instigated a massive investigation and purge of government employees whom they accused of being communists or outed as homosexuals.

From Salon

Illegitimate and homosexual, he was doubly outside the era’s accepted social norms.

From Los Angeles Times

Another popular hashtag they use is “address book,” a near homonym for “homosexual” in Chinese, which has also spawned the offshoot keywords “female notebook” or “male notebook.”

From Los Angeles Times

"This individual was quite a prolific sex offender. A homosexual one," Mr Khalife said.

From BBC

McCarthy and his many followers went after marginalized communities from liberal idealists to impoverished union activists to Jews and homosexuals.

From Salon