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

The actor made his nightly entrance at the Roxy from the lobby to the stage, belting out the signature tune “Sweet Transvestite.”

From Los Angeles Times

The police permits were called "transvestite certificates," and they exempted a person from the laws against cross-dressing.

From Salon

Most people who held "transvestite certificates," as Toni Simon did, had them revoked or watched helplessly as police refused to honor them.

From Salon