homosexual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal, clinical, legal, historical. In everyday conversation, more specific terms like 'gay' or 'lesbian' are often preferred for people.
Quick answer
What does “homosexual” mean?
A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted primarily to members of their own sex or gender.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted primarily to members of their own sex or gender.
The term can also function as an adjective to describe such attraction, relationships, or orientation. Historically and clinically, it referred specifically to same-sex attraction, but modern usage often distinguishes between sexual orientation (e.g., gay, lesbian) and gender identity. In some legal or formal contexts, it is used as an umbrella term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely similar. In both, the term is formal. In the US, the noun form might be slightly more common in conservative political or religious discourse, whereas in the UK, its formal use is consistent across legal and medical contexts.
Connotations
Can carry a formal, detached, or even pathologising tone if used as a noun for a person. In both varieties, the adjective is generally safer and more neutral.
Frequency
Less frequent in casual speech than 'gay'. High frequency in academic, legal, and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “homosexual” in a Sentence
to be homosexualto identify as homosexualto engage in homosexual actsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homosexual” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The law historically sought to criminalise those who homosexualised (archaic).
- The article discusses how society constructs what it means to homosexualise an identity.
American English
- The term is rarely used as a verb. One might say 'to engage in homosexual behaviour' instead.
adverb
British English
- He lived homosexually but discreetly in the 1950s. (Rare, formal)
American English
- The character was written to behave homosexually, implying attraction. (Rare, often awkward)
adjective
British English
- They were in a long-term homosexual relationship.
- The report analysed homosexual experiences in the 19th century.
American English
- Homosexual attraction is a normal variation of human sexuality.
- The court case centered on homosexual rights.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in policies regarding non-discrimination (e.g., 'protections based on sexual orientation, including homosexual and bisexual employees').
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, history, and law to describe orientation, historical figures, or movements (e.g., 'the medicalisation of homosexuality').
Everyday
Formal; often replaced by 'gay' or 'lesbian'. May be used by older generations or in specific discussions of rights.
Technical
Used in legal statutes, medical histories, and demographic surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homosexual”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homosexual”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homosexual”
- Using 'homosexual' as the only noun for a person in casual contexts (sounds dated/impersonal). Confusing it with 'homosocial' (non-sexual same-sex bonding). Mispronouncing: /ˌhɒm.əʊˈsek.ʃu.əl/ (adding an extra 'o' sound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be perceived as impersonal, clinical, or reductionist, as it defines a person solely by their sexual orientation. Using 'gay man', 'lesbian woman', or simply saying 'he is gay' is generally more person-centred and common in everyday speech.
'Homosexual' is a formal, clinical term for same-sex attraction. 'Gay' is the common term for men (and sometimes umbrella term), and 'lesbian' for women. 'Queer' is a broader, reclaimed term for non-heteronormative identities, but was historically a slur.
Yes, technically it can, as it describes attraction to the same sex. However, 'lesbian' is the specific and widely preferred term for homosexual women. Using 'homosexual woman' is formal but acceptable.
Critics argue it reduces a person's entire identity to their sexual orientation in a way that parallel terms like 'a heterosexual' do not. It echoes a time when homosexuality was classified purely as a medical or psychological condition.
A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted primarily to members of their own sex or gender.
Homosexual is usually formal, clinical, legal, historical. in everyday conversation, more specific terms like 'gay' or 'lesbian' are often preferred for people. in register.
Homosexual: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒm.əˈsek.ʃu.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊ.moʊˈsek.ʃu.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOMO = same (from Greek) + SEXUAL. Think: attraction to the *same* sex.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed clinically as an 'orientation' or 'condition', legally as a 'status', and socially as an 'identity'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate and neutral use of the word 'homosexual' in contemporary professional writing?