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

The second tale is based on the true story of lesbian teen Constance McMillen of Mississippi who was barred from attending her school’s prom with a date in 2010. —David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025

Eight in 10 Americans favor laws that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing. —Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Noun

Within the album's 12 poetic tracks, Perez — who came out as a lesbian at 17 — explores her relationship with sexuality, religion and love with a Jeff Buckley-meets-Alanis Morissette-like flair. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 1 May 2025

Given that Roan identifies as a lesbian, these attacks on women’s rights feel even more heightened. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 1 Apr. 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