gayer; gayest
1
a
: sexually attracted to someone who is the same sex : homosexual
My uncle is gay.
b
always used before a noun
: of, relating to, or used by homosexuals
the gay rights movement
The march celebrates gay pride. [=pride in being gay]
a gay bar
2
old-fashioned
: happy and excited
gay and carefree children
: cheerful and lively
The band was playing a gay tune.
a gay festival/reception
3
old-fashioned
: very bright in color : colorful
the gayest of the spring flowers
plural gays
: a person and especially a man who is homosexual
a bar that is frequented by gays
gays and lesbians
Cite this Entry
“Gay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gay. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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