nonsexual

adjective

non·​sex·​u·​al ˌnän-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl 

1

: not involving sex or sexual activity

a nonsexual relationship

nonsexual contact

2

: not relating to or associated with sex or the sexes

While the Y chromosome contains the genes that determine maleness and some other nonsexual characteristics, it contains fewer genes than the X chromosome.

—Faith Hickman Brynie

Examples of nonsexual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Representations of straight women’s sexuality in mainstream media repeatedly come at the cost of their own empowerment—they’re often portrayed as nonsexual beings, or, on the other side of the spectrum, overly-sexualized through the male gaze. —Maya Walsh-Little, SELF, 15 Dec. 2025

The term nonsexual nudity feels inadequate, because for some, changing in a locker room could carry a charge of eroticism. —Jacob Beckert, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

According to the overview prepared by Robbins, the initial program would be open to male detainees arrested on nonviolent, nonsexual charges who have a bond of $10,000 or less. —Tom Sissom, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Many campsites take security and the nonsexual nature of naturism seriously. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for nonsexual

• biofuel
• contextual
• nonrenewal
• unusual
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel

Medical Definition

nonsexual

adjective

non·​sex·​u·​al (ˈ)nän-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl 

: not sexual

nonsexual reproduction