sexual

play

adjective sex·u·al \ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl, 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

sexually

play \ˈsek-sh(ə-)wə-lē, ˈsek-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

See sexual defined for English-language learners

See sexual defined for kids

Examples of sexual in a Sentence

He denied that he had a sexual relationship with her.

Recent Examples of sexual from 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
Mr. Cohen said that Carroll had tried hard to sublimate the sexual impulses that at times tormented him.

— richard sandomir, New York Times, "Morton Cohen, Scholar of Lewis Carroll and His Wonderland, Dies at 96," 4 July 2017
The emails do not appear to be related to any sexual assault investigations.

— matthew watkins and jim malewitz, star-telegram.com, "As Baylor regent, lobbyist called drinking female students ‘perverted little tarts’," 2 July 2017
While the existence of the Comey tapes were merely hinted at, the tapes recording his lewd bragging about using his fame for sexual advancement are all too real.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "Why Trump’s Misogyny Could Endanger His Presidency," 30 June 2017
Charging documents indicate that Jasiczek had sexual intercourse and engaged in lewd fondling or touching with a student over the age of 16 between Jan. 1 and May 3.

— katy bergen, kansascity.com, "Olathe South High teacher charged with unlawful sexual relations with student," 30 June 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
And like North Carolina, Maryland had a law until 2008 that said a woman couldn't revoke sexual consent after it was initially given.

— jessica valenti, Marie Claire, "So We Can't Even Prosecute Our Rapists Now?," 26 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.

Origin and Etymology of sexual

Late Latin sexualis, from Latin sexus sex

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1650

See Words from the same year

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

SEXUAL Defined for English Language Learners

sexual

play

adjective

Definition of sexual for English Language Learners

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

SEXUAL Defined for Kids

sexual

play

adjective sex·u·al \ˈsek-shə-wəl\

Definition of sexual for Students

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