Lesbian
Origin
From Latin Lesbiana, from Ancient Greek ΛÎσβος + Latin adjective suffix -iana; by reference to Sappho of Lesbos (whence also sapphist), known for her sentimental poems about women.
Full definition of lesbian
Adjective
lesbian
- (of a woman) Homosexual; preferring female romantic or sexual partners.She is lesbian.
- (of a romantic or sexual act or relationship) Between two women; homosexual.She's involved in a lesbian relationship.Lesbian marriage is still illegal in some nations.
- 2011, Michael Bruce, ‎Robert M. Stewart, College Sex - Philosophy for Everyone (ISBN 1444341448), page 32:... Madonna's infamous nationally televised lesbian kiss with Britney Spears ...
- (especially of an institution or group) Intended for lesbians.We're going to a lesbian bar tonight.
- 2000, Bonnie Zimmerman, Encyclopedia of lesbian and gay histories and cultures, volume 1, page 135:Some lesbians also felt comfortable in the entertainment clubs in the black section of the city; these clubs were not lesbian but were lesbian friendly.
- 2008, Carl Abbott, How cities won the West: four centuries of urban change, page 283:Openly gay poets such as Allen Ginsberg were prominent among the beats, and many North Beach bars were gay and lesbian as well as bohemian.
Synonyms
- (of a woman: preferring female partners) dyke usually offensive, but reclaimed by some lesbians, gay preferred by many lesbians, homosexual not specific to female homosexuality
- (between two women; pertaining to female homosexuality) dyke usually offensive, but reclaimed by some lesbians, gay preferred by many lesbians, homosexual not specific to female homosexuality
Noun
lesbian
(plural lesbians)- A homosexual female, a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women.