androgynous

adjective

an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs How to pronounce androgynous (audio)
1
: having the characteristics or nature of both male and female
androgynous heroines
2
a
: neither specifically feminine nor masculine
the androgynous pronoun them
b
: suitable to or for either sex
androgynous clothing
3
: having traditional male and female roles obscured or reversed
an androgynous marriage
androgynously adverb

Examples of androgynous in a Sentence

the androgynous hairdos favored by the hip an actor whose androgynous looks are at the heart of his appeal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keaton was celebrated for her iconic roles and signature style, blending classic Hollywood glamour with a relaxed, androgynous aesthetic that has inspired generations of fans. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 This rum scent is one of their best-sellers—androgynous, herbal, crisp. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 Pat’s androgynous characteristics subverted gendered norms at time, but how is the character be perceived by contemporary audiences? Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025 The wellness guru opted for a spring suit, leaving the Milanese airport in pieces from Gwyn: a $395 white long-sleeve cowl-neck top and a more androgynous black blazer for $895. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for androgynous

Word History

Etymology

Greek andrógynos "having male and female characteristics, hermaphrodite" (from andro- andro- + -gynos, adjective derivative of gynḗ "woman") + -ous — more at queen entry 1

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of androgynous was in 1651

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Androgynous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/androgynous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

androgynous

adjective
an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs How to pronounce androgynous (audio)
: having both male and female characteristics
androgynously adverb
androgyny noun

Medical Definition

androgynous

adjective
an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdräj-ə-nəs How to pronounce androgynous (audio)
: having the characteristics or nature of both male and female
androgyny noun
plural androgynies

More from Merriam-Webster on androgynous

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