intersex

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​sex ˈin-tər-ˌseks 

1

: an individual having the condition of intersexuality

2

: intersexuality

intersex

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to intersexuality

intersex conditions

also : exhibiting intersexuality

an intersex individual

Examples of intersex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The hijra identity is often compared to transgender identity, and the two have some similarities; however, the terms are not interchangeable—some hijras may identify as transgender, nonbinary, or intersex, but others do not. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026

Lorshbough and interACT work with intersex youth, and says that even before the new IOC ruling, their team had recorded an increase in harassment of young intersex athletes. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Members of the community are typically assigned male at birth, occasionally intersex, and adopt traditionally feminine dress, names, pronouns, and mannerisms. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026

Lorshbough and interACT work with intersex youth, and says that even before the new IOC ruling, their team had recorded an increase in harassment of young intersex athletes. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Intersex, probably back-formation from intersexuell intersexual

Note: Intersex was introduced by the German biologist Richard Goldschmidt (1878-1958) in "Vorläufige Mitteilung über weitere Versuche zur Vererbung und Bestimmung des Geschlechts," Biologisches Centralblatt, 53. Band, No. 12 (20. Dezember 1915) pp. 565-70. Goldschmidt used the word in English in a translation of this article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 2, no. 1 (January 15, 1916), pp. 53-58 ("A Preliminary Report on Further Experiments in Inheritance and Determination of Sex").

Adjective

from attributive use of intersex entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for intersex

• atriplex
• biconvex
• bottlenecks
• circumflex
• multiplex
• unisex
• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs

Kids Definition

intersex

noun

in·​ter·​sex ˈint-ər-ˌseks 

: an individual that is intermediate in sexual characteristics between a typical male and a typical female

Medical Definition

intersex

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​sex

ˈint-ər-ˌseks

1

: an individual having the condition of intersexuality

2

: intersexuality

intersex

2 of 2 adjective

: of or relating to intersexuality

intersex conditions

also : exhibiting intersexuality

an intersex individual