asexual

adjective

asex·​u·​al (ˌ)ā-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-shü-əl,
-ˈsek-shəl
1
: lacking sex or functional sex organs
asexual plants
2
a
: involving or reproducing by reproductive processes (such as cell division, spore formation, fission (see fission entry 1 sense 2), or budding (see bud entry 2 sense intransitive 3)) that do not involve the union of individuals or gametes
asexual reproduction
an asexual generation
b
: produced by asexual reproduction
asexual spores
3
a
: not involving, involved with, or relating to sex : devoid of sexuality (see sexuality sense 1)
an asexual relationship
b
: not having sexual feelings toward others : not experiencing sexual desire or attraction
In general, an asexual person does not feel or otherwise experience any sexual attraction, according to The Asexual Visibility & Education Network (AVEN). Basically, it is an inborn absence of sexual desire.Lindsay E. Mack
often used as a term of sexual identity or self-identification
the asexual community
people who identify as asexual
4
: not having or showing a particular sexual identity : neither male nor female
… parents who first encounter the world of Pokemon through their youngsters may have no idea what this land of soft, rounded, asexual creatures is or what drives it.Vince Horiuchi
asexual noun
plural asexuals
Many asexuals still have romantic attractions—identifying themselves as straight, gay or bisexual romantic—form committed relationships and value all the non-sexual benefits of a partnership that sexual individuals enjoy. Minus the sex. Lori A. Brotto
asexuality noun
asexually
(ˌ)ā-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-lē How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-shü-ə-
-ˌsek-sh(ə-)lē
adverb

Examples of asexual in a Sentence

They had a completely asexual relationship.
Recent Examples on the Web Under stable conditions with a steady supply of food and through asexual reproduction, many hydra species manage to live indefinitely. Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 To check whether those tumors were really transmitted from the parent hydras, as opposed to spontaneously arising in each generation, the team also screened the asexual offspring of hydras that were cancer free. Bychristie Wilcox, science.org, 17 Sep. 2024 Research suggests that up to 1% of the population is asexual. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024 Asexuality is an umbrella term, and being asexual exists on a spectrum. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for asexual 

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

see sexual

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asexual was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near asexual

Cite this Entry

“Asexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asexual. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

asexual

adjective
asex·​u·​al (ˈ)ā-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce asexual (audio)
-ˈsek-shəl
1
: lacking sex
asexual organisms
2
: occurring or formed without the production and union of two kinds of gametes
asexual reproduction
asexual spores
3
: not involving or relating to sex or sexual feelings
an asexual relationship
an asexual person
4
: neither male nor female
asexually adverb

Medical Definition

asexual

adjective
1
: lacking sex or functional sexual organs
asexual plants
2
: produced without sexual action or differentiation
asexual spores
3
: devoid of sexuality
an asexual relationship
asexuality noun
plural asexualities

More from Merriam-Webster on asexual

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