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

Women were relegated to second-class citizens and gay and lesbian individuals were executed as a matter of public policy. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026

At the same time, his administration moved to weaken federal protections for gay and lesbian Americans. —Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

Noun

Seth Meyers featured Kristen Stewart as his first guest of the year, highlighting his cool factor and appeal in the lesbian community. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

While the lesbian rumors have no true basis, Jenner has dated several famous people in recent years. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 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