homoerotic

[ hoh-moh-i-rot-ik ]

adjective

1. (especially of art, literature, drama, or the like) using symbolism, allusions, situations, etc., that invoke sexual attraction or activity between people of the same gender:

   There's definitely some homoerotic subtext in that book.

2. having sexual attraction to people of one's own sex or gender, especially when that attraction is repressed:

   To say a man has a “streak of lavender” means that he has homoerotic desires.

noun

1. Older Use. a person who is sexually or romantically attracted to people of the same sex or gender.

homoerotic

/ ˌhəʊməʊɪˈrɒtɪk /

adjective

1. of, concerning, or arousing sexual desire for persons of one's own sex

Word History and Origins

Origin of homoerotic¹

First recorded in 1910–15; homo- ( def ) + erotic ( def )

Example Sentences

The homoerotic dimension of Oshoosi and Elegba’s relationship is undeniable, but in this co-production with New York’s the Shed, director Bijan Sheibani doesn’t allow the queerness to dominate the play’s larger exploration of Black masculinity.

From Los Angeles Times

Central is the chemistry between Edwin and Charles, who share a kind of love story — homoerotic, if not “Euphoria”-style sexual — that underscores the value of chosen families.

From Los Angeles Times

No one breaks a sweat, no one raises their voices, they never run out of ammo and even in extreme situations there’s time for droll Britishisms, smarmy jokes and homoerotic ribbing.

From Los Angeles Times

Cadmus, who is best known for homoerotic images that relish the male form, later wrote that the letter’s author had provided “a profound definition of the word ‘pornography’: a naked man and woman.”

From New York Times

“I look into the eyes of every young man here, and I can tell who’s been to Hooters and who hasn’t. I can tell who regularly pounds domestics with the boys”—loud cheer—“and who likes to spend a bit of time with their butcher in the hot tub”—fewer cheers, for a more obscure nod to another of Adams’ homoerotic stories.

From Slate