asexual

adjective

asex·​u·​al (ˌ)ā-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-shü-əl,
-ˈsek-shəl
1
: lacking sex or functional sex organs
asexual plants
2
a
: involving or reproducing by reproductive processes (such as cell division, spore formation, fission (see fission entry 1 sense 2), or budding (see bud entry 2 sense intransitive 3)) that do not involve the union of individuals or gametes
asexual reproduction
an asexual generation
b
: produced by asexual reproduction
asexual spores
3
a
: not involving, involved with, or relating to sex : devoid of sexuality
an asexual relationship
b
: not having sexual feelings toward others : not experiencing sexual desire or attraction
In general, an asexual person does not feel or otherwise experience any sexual attraction, according to The Asexual Visibility & Education Network (AVEN). Basically, it is an inborn absence of sexual desire.Lindsay E. Mack
4
: not having or showing a particular sexual identity : neither male nor female
… parents who first encounter the world of Pokemon through their youngsters may have no idea what this land of soft, rounded, asexual creatures is or what drives it.Vince Horiuchi
asexual noun
plural asexuals
Many asexuals still have romantic attractions—identifying themselves as straight, gay or bisexual romantic—form committed relationships and value all the non-sexual benefits of a partnership that sexual individuals enjoy. Minus the sex. Lori A. Brotto
asexuality noun
asexually
(ˌ)ā-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-lē How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-shü-ə-
-ˌsek-sh(ə-)lē
adverb

Examples of asexual in a Sentence

They had a completely asexual relationship.
Recent Examples on the Web In addition to parental care, females of some scorpion species can reproduce without the need for mating, using a type of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Parthenogenesis is a rare form of asexual reproduction in which a female produces an embryo without fertilization by a male’s sperm. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Others lamented the lack of categories for people with intersex traits or who are asexual or pansexual. Mike Schneider, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2024 What if Love Is Blind featured openly bisexual, asexual, or pansexual people? TIME, 12 Feb. 2024 Massive Stingray Caught in Cambodia Becomes the World's Largest Freshwater Fish Ever Recorded One is a rare asexual reproduction process called parthenogenesis, in which eggs develop into an embryo without fertilization. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 Each one contained a line specifying that someone who identifies as asexual should not be given the diagnosis. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2023 But wait: Does this mean the same thing as asexual? David Oliver, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2023 The asexual community has had to reimagine love and relationships to fit its needs; this wisdom could help everyone, asexual or not, Jay says. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asexual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see sexual

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asexual was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near asexual

Cite this Entry

“Asexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asexual. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

asexual

adjective
asex·​u·​al (ˈ)ā-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-ˈsek-shəl
1
: lacking sex
asexual organisms
2
: occurring or formed without the production and union of two kinds of gametes
asexual reproduction
asexual spores
asexually adverb

Medical Definition

asexual

adjective
1
: lacking sex or functional sexual organs
asexual plants
2
: produced without sexual action or differentiation
asexual spores
3
: devoid of sexuality
an asexual relationship
asexuality noun
plural asexualities

More from Merriam-Webster on asexual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!