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 relationship between Xochi and Sam hearkens back to themes from Nozicka’s earlier play, which is about a lesbian couple facing the tension between one partner’s belief in the paranormal and the other’s skepticism. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

But Spielberg is a pro, and handles the material well (with the exception of downplaying the lesbian aspects of the story) and the cast delivers career high performances. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

Noun

In her last year of college, my now-37-year-old daughter abruptly came out as a lesbian. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

In her last year of college, my daughter abruptly came out as a lesbian. —Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

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