libido

noun

li·​bi·​do lə-ˈbē-(ˌ)dō 

also

ˈli-bə-ˌdō 

or

lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō 

plural libidos

1

: instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity

2

: sexual drive

The drug was used to increase libido.

Did you know?

The Latin word libido, meaning "desire, lust", was borrowed by Sigmund Freud as the name for a concept in his own theories. At first he defined libido to mean the instinctual energy associated with the sex drive. Later he broadened the word's meaning and began using it to mean the mental energy behind purposeful human activity of any kind; in other words, the libido (for which Freud also used the term eros, a Greek word meaning "sexual love") came to be regarded as the life instinct, which included sex along with all the other impulses we rely on to keep us alive. But those of us who aren't psychologists use the word simply as a synonym for "sex drive".

Examples of libido in a Sentence

Lack of libido may be a sign of depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, is a popular medication for men with both normal and low testosterone levels, as it has been linked to longevity, better libido, and better musculoskeletal health. — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Testosterone therapy may help reduce these symptoms and has been found in clinical trials to help significantly improve libido, anemia, bone density, lean body mass, depression, and erectile function, StatPearls states. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Testosterone levels in men decline naturally with age and have long been linked to issues like erectile dysfunction, low libido, mood changes and weight gain. — Konstantin Toropin, Fortune, 15 July 2026

As for cosmic weather this week, the planets align on June 28, igniting our adventurous spirits and libidos, eager to live life in the moment and sojourn onward! — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin libidin-, libido, from Latin, desire, lust, from libēre to please — more at love

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for libido

• albedo
• amido
• basedow
• ejido
• tuxedo

Medical Definition

libido

noun

li·​bi·​do

lə-ˈbēd-(ˌ)ō also ˈlib-ə-ˌdō or lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō

plural libidos

1

: instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity

2

: sexual drive