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

Based on lesbian writer Patricia Highsmith’s The Price of Salt, Todd Haynes’ Carol follows a love affair between photographer Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) and housewife Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett). —Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 25 Sep. 2025

This adaptation of an Ibsen classic reimagines a bored Scandinavian newlywed into a lesbian love triangle and a whole lot of chaos. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025

Noun

The movie follows Alike, a 17-year-old Black girl who’s exploring her identity as a masc lesbian while being raised by a strict Christian mother. —James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025

Roan, a 27-year-old lesbian, is a Pisces sun, Sagittarius moon and Libra rising. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025

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