English · Word Candidate

homosexual

/ˌhɒməʊˈsɛksjuːəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: homosexuals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Sexually and/or romantically attracted to members of the same sex, such as a man who is attracted to other men or a woman who is attracted to other women; gay. (Typically used in the sense of sole/exclusive attraction.)

Adjective

Examples

No, it wouldn't make a difference if the applicant was homosexual.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Between two people of the same sex; gay.

Adjective

Examples

Most western countries have repealed laws against homosexual activity between consenting adults.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person who is sexually attracted solely or primarily to others of the same sex.

Noun

Examples

It must not be understood that homosexuality is confined to women. Relationships of this type exist also among men, and in taki-taki are to be found words which are specific designations for male homosexuals, who are termed hantimąn, or awɛge.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “homosexual” mean?

Is “homosexual” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.