transvestite

[ trans-ves-tahyt, tranz- ]

noun

1. Psychiatry. a person, especially someone assigned male at birth, who assumes the dress and manner usually associated with a different gender.
2. Older Use: Often Offensive. crossdresser ( def ). : TV

adjective

1. Older Use: Often Offensive. being or relating to a person who wears clothing typically worn by members of a different gender.

transvestite

/ trænzˈvɛstaɪt /

noun

1. a person who seeks sexual pleasure from wearing clothes that are normally associated with the opposite sex
2. any cross-dresser See cross-dressing

transvestite

1. Someone who dresses in the clothes usually worn by the opposite sex. Transvestites may be bisexual, heterosexual, or homosexual ( see bisexuality , heterosexuality , and homosexuality ).

Derived Forms

• transˈvestism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transvestite¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from German Transvestit; transvestism, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of transvestite¹

C19: from German Transvestit , from trans- + Latin vestītus clothed, from vestīre to clothe

Example Sentences

“Each position will be occupied by the best, most capable person, be it a man, a woman, a transvestite or anything else.”

From Seattle Times

Jacquard, a 35-year-old father of three, came prepared with statistics and an argument against what he called “transvestite story hour,” using a term many now consider offensive.

From Seattle Times

“I saw many transvestites in their high heels, make-up and lovely dresses,” she once wrote.

From New York Times

In the 1930s, transgender people were called "transvestites," a term that is offensive today but at the time approximated what's now meant by "transgender."

From Salon

“They can call me a transsexual, a transvestite, Dracula or even the devil,” said Erni, who like many Indonesians uses only one name.

From New York Times