sexual

¹

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

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for sex:

   Publicly discussing sexual matters was frowned upon in those days.

   The store is known for selling sexual aids.

2. occurring between or involving the sexes:

   In humans, melatonin concentrations are related to sexual maturation, with significant decreases occurring at the onset of puberty.

3. having sexual organs or reproducing by processes involving both sexes:

   The patterns of genetic variation in sexual species tend to be very different from those in asexual species.

-sexual

²

1. a combining form extracted from heterosexual and homosexual, used to describe a person's sexual orientation or identity: polysexual.

   pansexual;

   polysexual.

2. a combining form extracted from metrosexual, used to describe a person's lifestyle, appearance, or way of dressing with regard to attracting or choosing a romantic partner: lumbersexual.

   vegansexual;

   lumbersexual.

sexual

/ ˈsɛksjʊəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by sex or sexuality
2. (of reproduction) characterized by the union of male and female gametes Compare asexual

Derived Forms

• ˈsexually, adverb

Other Words From

• sex·u·al·ly adverb
• an·ti·sex·u·al adjective
• an·ti·sex·u·al·ly adverb
• non·sex·u·al adjective noun
• non·sex·u·al·ly adverb
• un·sex·u·al adjective
• un·sex·u·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin sexuālis, from sexu(s) sex + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual¹

C17: from Late Latin sexuālis ; see sex

Example Sentences

Worse, he built his career on using the law to force his rules for sexual "morality" on others, even arguing that laws against homosexuality, abortion, and divorce are necessary to prevent "sexual anarchy."

From Salon

It's a word used to describe people who only develop a sexual attraction to others after forming a deep bond based on their personality, rather than feeling an instant connection.

From BBC

She will spearhead the Trump administration’s education policies, which could reshape federal financial aid, federal research funding and civil rights for LGBTQ+ people and those accused of sexual assault.

From Los Angeles Times

We just went through a presidential election in which the winning candidate, Donald Trump, is a man who has been credibly accused of sexual assault by no fewer than 25 women.

From Salon

But it would not apply to those sentenced for domestic abuse or sexual offences.

From BBC

Related Words

• carnal
• erotic
• intimate
• passionate
• reproductive
• sensual