lesbian

1 of 2

adjective

les·​bi·​an ˈlez-bē-ən 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to other women or between women

gay and lesbian veterans

a lesbian relationship

2

Lesbian : of or relating to Lesbos

lesbian

2 of 2

noun

plural lesbians

: a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women : a gay woman

lesbians and gay men

Examples of lesbian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Often, this involves a lesbian and gay man exchanging vows. —Mikelle Street, Them., 14 May 2025

Oh and Kate Walsh as lesbian partners, and contains endless gorgeous, sweeping shots of the Italian countryside. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

Noun

Caesar was killed by lesbians, making this scene one of the most iconic moments in Joe Pantoliano’s filmography and cinema history. —Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 2025

In setting out to erase gays and lesbians from screens, the Code only encouraged creators and performers to get creative in making their movies. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) from association with the ardent poetry written by Sappho of Lesbos (c. 610-c. 580 b.c.) to and about other women in the female religious and educational community she led

First Known Use

Adjective

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1732, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lesbian

noun

les·​bi·​an

ˈlez-bē-ən

: a gay woman

lesbian adjective

lesbianism

-bē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun

Medical Definition

lesbian

1 of 2 adjective

les·​bi·​an ˈlez-bē-ən 

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to other women or between women

gay and lesbian adults

a lesbian relationship

lesbian

2 of 2 noun

: a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women : a gay woman