third gender

[ thurd jen-der ]

noun

1. Anthropology. any of various gender classifications in societies that recognize a gender other than male or female.
2. a person who identifies as a gender other than male or female or as neither male nor female.

adjective

1. being or relating to a person who belongs to a gender classification or identifies as a gender other than male or female.

Word History and Origins

Origin of third gender¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

They said their win sparked a wider discussion in their own home country, including around offering a third gender option on passports - something Switzerland has so far resisted.

From BBC

They embrace a distinct ‘third gender,’ part of a burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times

They embrace a distinct ‘third gender,’ part of a burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times

Now over-18s can change to male, female or diverse, a third gender option that already exists under German law.

From BBC

They embrace a distinct ‘third gender,’ part of a burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement worldwide.

From Los Angeles Times