sexual

adjective

sex·​u·​al ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce sexual (audio)
ˈsek-shəl
1
: of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes
sexual differentiation
sexual conflict
2
: having or involving sex
sexual reproduction
sexually
ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-lē How to pronounce sexual (audio)
ˈsek-sh(ə-)lē
adverb

Examples of sexual in a Sentence

He denied that he had a sexual relationship with her.
Recent Examples on the Web The authors conclude that the male baboons’ behavior amounts to sexual intimidation. Michael Price, Science | AAAS, 6 July 2017 Real freedom for women, Salt-N-Pepa are saying, lies in sexual autonomy, in taking control of their bodies. Dinitia Smith, Daily Intelligencer, 30 June 2017 Former president Steve Penny resigned in March under intensifying pressure for the way the organization handled charges of sexual abuse. Will Graves, chicagotribune.com, 27 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sexual.' 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

Late Latin sexualis, from Latin sexus sex

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexual was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near sexual

Cite this Entry

“Sexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexual. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sexual

adjective
sex·​u·​al ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce sexual (audio)
ˈsek-shəl
1
: of or relating to sex or the sexes
sexual differences
2
: having or involving sex
sexual reproduction
sexually
ˈseksh-(ə-)wə-lē How to pronounce sexual (audio)
ˈseksh-(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

sexual

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes
sexual differentiation
sexual conflict
2
: having or involving sex
sexual reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster on sexual

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