gay

1 of 2

adjective

ˈgā 

1

a

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to people of one's same sex

gay men

a gay woman in her 40s

—often used to refer to men only

gay and lesbian members of the community

b

: of, relating to, or intended for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc.

the gay rights movement

a gay bar

2

a

: happily excited : merry

in a gay mood

b

: keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits

a bird's gay spring song

3

a

: bright, lively

gay sunny meadows

b

: brilliant in color

4

: given to social pleasures

also : licentious

gay adverb

gayness noun

gay

2 of 2

noun

plural gays

sometimes disparaging + offensive; see usage paragraph below : a gay person

especially : a gay man

Usage of Gay

Use of the noun gay to refer to a particular person or particular people is commonly considered offensive. Phrases that employ the adjective are preferred

a gay author

they are both gay

over such uses as

The author is a gay.

and

They are both gays.

which employ the noun. The noun does, however, function as a neutral or positive self-descriptor, and in its plural form is common especially in phrases with other plural nouns that relate to sexual orientation and gender identity.

the rights of gays and lesbians

It is also sometimes used neutrally to refer in a general way to gay people.

gays serving in the military

Synonyms

Adjective

• animated
• active
• energetic
• animate
• lively
• brisk

Choose the Right Synonym for gay

lively, animated, vivacious, sprightly, gay mean keenly alive and spirited.

lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy.

a lively debate on the issues

animated applies to what is spirited and active.

an animated discussion of current events

vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring.

a vivacious party host

sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit.

a tuneful, sprightly musical

gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits.

the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Examples of gay in a Sentence

Adjective

The band was playing a gay tune.

the gayest of the spring flowers

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Stovall is gay, but identifies with all of the characters, not just Jesse. —Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025

Here, people are rendered with an intimacy and simplicity – straight couples, apparently gay couples, old and young. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 July 2025

Someone said the other day, ‘Leigh Bowery was the blueprint for gay identity. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 July 2025

The consensus: Was the rumor true that Martin was gay. —Miami Herald, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French gai, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German gāhi quick, sudden

Noun

derivative of gay entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Noun

1953, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gay

• anti-gay

Rhymes for gay

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

gay

adjective

ˈgā

gayer; gayest

1

: happily excited : merry

a gay mood

2

a

: cheerful sense 1a, lively

a gay meadow

b

: brilliant in color

3

: given to social pleasures

4

: of or relating to romantic attraction to people of one's same sex

gay adverb

gayness noun

Medical Definition

gay

adjective

ˈgā 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to individuals of one's same sex

gay men

a gay woman in her 40s

—often used to refer to men only

gay and lesbian members of the community

2

: of, relating to, or intended for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, etc.

gay issues

Biographical Definition

Gay

biographical name

ˈgā 

John 1685–1732 English poet and dramatist