Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

epicene

adjective ep·i·cene \ ˈe-pə-ˌsēn \

Definition of epicene

1 of a noun : having but one form to indicate either sex
2 a : having characteristics typical of the other sex
b : effeminate
3 : lacking characteristics of either sex
—

epicene

noun
—

epicenism

play \ˈe-pə-ˌsē-ˌni-zəm, ˌe-pə-ˈsē-\ noun

Examples of epicene in a Sentence

  1. an ancient statue of a young man of graceful, epicene beauty

Recent Examples of epicene from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epicene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of epicene

Middle English, from Latin epicoenus, from Greek epikoinos, from epi- + koinos common — more at co-

Learn More about epicene

  1. See words that rhyme with epicene

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up epicene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

imperturbable

play

very hard to disturb or upset

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

epicene

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet-pasta-spelling-help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games