lesbian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, neutral, and informal contexts depending on usage; can be clinical, identity-based, or descriptive.
Quick answer
What does “lesbian” mean?
A woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.
Relating to or characteristic of lesbians or lesbianism; also used as an adjective to describe things associated with or created by lesbians (e.g., lesbian literature, lesbian bar).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both use 'lesbian' as the standard term. Slight variation in collocational frequency (e.g., 'lesbian and gay' vs. 'gay and lesbian' ordering).
Connotations
Similar neutral-to-positive identity connotations in both varieties. In formal/legal contexts, it is standard.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. Slightly more common in US media/pop culture discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “lesbian” in a Sentence
[be] + lesbian[identify as] + lesbian[come out as] + lesbianVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lesbian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- She joined a lesbian book club in London.
- The film festival showcased lesbian cinema.
American English
- They attended a lesbian wedding in Vermont.
- She writes for a lesbian magazine in New York.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in diversity and inclusion contexts (e.g., 'lesbian employees').
Academic
Used in sociology, gender studies, psychology (e.g., 'lesbian subjectivity').
Everyday
Common in identity discussions, media, and social contexts.
Technical
Used in legal, medical, and demographic contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lesbian”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lesbian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lesbian”
- Using 'lesbian' as a verb (incorrect: 'She lesbians').
- Using 'lesbian' to describe men (incorrect: 'gay man' is correct).
- Capitalising unnecessarily (not 'Lesbian' unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the standard, respectful term for a woman attracted to other women when used as an identity descriptor with consent.
Yes, commonly (e.g., lesbian relationship, lesbian bar).
It derives from Lesbos, the Greek island home of the ancient poet Sappho, who wrote about love between women.
'Gay' can refer to men attracted to men or be used broadly for same-sex attraction; 'lesbian' specifically denotes women attracted to women.
A woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.
Lesbian is usually formal, neutral, and informal contexts depending on usage; can be clinical, identity-based, or descriptive. in register.
Lesbian: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɛz.bi.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɛz.bi.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms specific to the word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Lesbos (Greek island) + -ian → relating to Sappho of Lesbos, ancient poet who wrote about love between women.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDENTITY IS AN ORIENTATION (part of 'sexual orientation' conceptual frame).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lesbian' used correctly?