sex appeal

noun

1. the ability to excite people sexually.
2. immediate appeal or obvious potential to interest or excite others, as by appearance, style, or charm:

   a house with no sex appeal.

sex appeal

noun

1. the quality or power of attracting someone sexually

Word History and Origins

Origin of sex appeal¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Cave called from New York to discuss the LP, his attraction to church and the illusory promise of his own sex appeal.

From Los Angeles Times

This second self, birthed from Elisabeth’s spine in true Cronenbergian fashion, dubs herself Sue and is hired by Harvey to headline a new show with significantly more sex appeal.

From Los Angeles Times

Dell'Olio says of her former boyfriend, "people in power always have an extra sex appeal".

From BBC

Rife talks about becoming a comedy heartthrob before age 30, navigating his sex appeal in the public eye, battling depression and enduring failure before finally hitting it big.

From Los Angeles Times

His organization distributed guidelines to the media, urging; “Sport appeal, not sex appeal.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allure
• charisma
• charm
• drawing power
• glamour
• sexiness