lesbian

1 of 2

adjective

les·​bi·​an ˈlez-bē-ən 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to other women or between women

gay and lesbian veterans

a lesbian relationship

2

Lesbian : of or relating to Lesbos

lesbian

2 of 2

noun

plural lesbians

: a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women : a gay woman

lesbians and gay men

Examples of lesbian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Though never explicitly stated, the film’s suggestion of a lesbian relationship between the two women was a rarity of the era. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

In 2020, fans also said goodbye to Naya Rivera, who played cheerleader turned lesbian icon Santana on the series. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 25 July 2026

Noun

Opinion polls show that non-trans lesbians and bisexual women are among the most trans inclusive demographics. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Gay men and lesbians have always been able to send first messages without restrictions. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) from association with the ardent poetry written by Sappho of Lesbos (c. 610-c. 580 b.c.) to and about other women in the female religious and educational community she led

First Known Use

Adjective

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1732, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lesbian

noun

les·​bi·​an

ˈlez-bē-ən

: a gay woman

lesbian adjective

lesbianism

-bē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun

Medical Definition

lesbian

1 of 2 adjective

les·​bi·​an ˈlez-bē-ən 

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to other women or between women

gay and lesbian adults

a lesbian relationship

lesbian

2 of 2 noun

: a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women : a gay woman