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sexual

adjective
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sex·​u·​al | \ ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce sexual (audio) , ˈsek-shəl \

Definition of sexual

1 : of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes sexual differentiation sexual conflict
2 : having or involving sex sexual reproduction
Other Words from sexual More Example Sentences Learn More about sexual

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Other Words from sexual

sexually \ ˈsek-​sh(ə-​)wə-​lē How to pronounce sexual (audio) , ˈsek-​sh(ə-​)lē \ adverb

Examples of sexual in a Sentence

He denied that he had a sexual relationship with her.
Recent Examples on the Web The authors conclude that the male baboons’ behavior amounts to sexual intimidation. — Michael Price, Science | AAAS, "Are some primates wired for sexual harassment?," 6 July 2017 Real freedom for women, Salt-N-Pepa are saying, lies in sexual autonomy, in taking control of their bodies. — Dinitia Smith, Daily Intelligencer, "Straight Outta Queens," 30 June 2017 Former president Steve Penny resigned in March under intensifying pressure for the way the organization handled charges of sexual abuse. — Will Graves, chicagotribune.com, "USA Gymnastics needs ‘culture change’ to stop abuse: review," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sexual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sexual

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for sexual

Late Latin sexualis, from Latin sexus sex

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Statistics for sexual

Cite this Entry

“Sexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexual. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for sexual

sexual

adjective
How to pronounce sexual (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sexual

: of, relating to, or involving sex
: of or relating to males and females

See the full definition for sexual in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sexual

adjective
sex·​u·​al | \ ˈsek-shə-wəl How to pronounce sexual (audio) \

Kids Definition of sexual

1 : of or relating to sex or the sexes
2 : of, relating to, or being the form of reproduction in which germ cells from two parents combine in fertilization to form a new individual

Other Words from sexual

sexually adverb

sexual

adjective
sex·​u·​al | \ ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, ˈsek-shəl How to pronounce sexual (audio) \

Medical Definition of sexual

1 : of, relating to, or associated with sex or the sexes sexual differentiation sexual conflict
2 : having or involving sex sexual reproduction

Other Words from sexual

sexually \ ˈseksh-​(ə-​)wə-​lē, ˈseksh-​(ə-​)lē How to pronounce sexual (audio) \ adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on sexual

Nglish: Translation of sexual for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sexual for Arabic Speakers

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