Sex

/sɛks/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch.
2. (countable) Another category, especially of humans and especially based on sexuality or gender roles.
3. (countable) The members of such a category, taken collectively.
4. (uncountable) The distinction and relation between these categories, especially in humans; gender.
5. (obsolete or literary, uncountable, with "the") Women; the human female gender and those who belong to it.
6. (uncountable) Sexual activity, usually sexual intercourse unless preceded by a modifier.
7. (countable, euphemistic or slang) Genitalia: a penis or vagina/vulva.
8. (zoology, transitive) To determine the sex of (an animal).

Example Sentences

The effect of the medication is dependent upon age, sex, and other factors.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

I would never have guessed […] that slime molds can have thirteen sexes.

The State Department and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expressly directed under the injunction to “to process and issue passports [...] consistent with the State Department’s policy as of January 19, 2025,” and to allow passport applicants to self-declare their gender even if that information is “different from the sex assigned to those individuals under the [Trump] Passport Policy.”

Still there are some loop-holes out of which a man may creep, and dare to think and act for himself; but for a woman it is an herculean task, because she has difficulties peculiar to her sex to overcome, which require almost super-human powers.

"But now another sex, in arms, is brought, / And, realms to guard, are eunuchs able thought!"

A black old neutral personage / Of the third sex stept up.

I have encountered officers who believe a woman got a better assignment or somehow "got over" because of her sex.

Synonyms for sex

Antonyms for sex

Related Words

Word Forms

• sexes
• sexe
• s*x
• sexing
• sexed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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