What does "sexual" mean?
A species which reproduces by sexual rather than asexual reproduction, or a member of such a species.
Sexual
/sɛk.ʃuː.əl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A species which reproduces by sexual rather than asexual reproduction, or a member of such a species.
- Grammar: sexual is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: amative, amatory, amorous, animal.
- Useful contrasts: platonic, agamic, anamorphic.
- Usage evidence: Sexual harassment has now become a social issue.
How to use "sexual"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sexual" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sexual" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sexual" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sexual" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sexual" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amative" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sexual", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A species which reproduces by sexual rather than asexual reproduction, or a member of such a species.
- 2 A person who experiences sexual attraction, a person who has interest in or desire for sex (especially as contrasted with an asexual).
"The findings suggest that asexuality is best conceptualized as a lack of sexual attraction; however, asexuals varied greatly in their experience of sexual response and behavior. Asexuals partnered with sexuals acknowledged having to 'negotiate' sexual activity."
Adjective
- 1 Arising from the fact of being male or female; pertaining to sex or gender, or to the social relations between the sexes.
"Women face sexual discrimination in the workplace."
- 2 Capable of sexual reproduction; sexed, sexuate.
- 3 Pertaining to sexual intercourse or other intimate physical contact.
"Giving oral sex is my favorite sexual act."
- 4 Characterised by sexual feelings or behaviour; possessing sexuality.
"She's a very sexual woman."
- 5 Pertaining to sexuality as a cultural phenomenon; relating to sexual behaviour or conduct.
"a sexual innuendo"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Experiencing sexual attraction; not asexual. rare
"[…] “You know, there are asexuals with sexual partners.” His ears flicked, and he grinned. “There's things both of us can try to do[…]”"
- 7 Pertaining to the female sex. obsolete
"[T]he inquiry is whether she have reason or not. If she have, which, for a moment, I will take for granted, she was not created merely to be the solace of man, and the sexual should not destroy the human character."
Adjective
- 1 involved in a sexual relationship wordnet
- 2 having or involving sex wordnet
- 3 of or relating to or characterized by sexuality wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Sexual harassment has now become a social issue."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sexual"?
Common synonyms include: amative, amatory, amorous, animal, aphrodisiomaniacal, ardent.
How do you use "sexual" in a sentence?
Sexual harassment has now become a social issue.
How do you pronounce "sexual"?
Pronounced /sɛk.ʃuː.əl/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *sek-der. Proto-Indo-European *séksusder. Proto-Italic *seksus Latin sexus Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālis Latin sexuālisbor. English sexual From Latin sexuālis, from sexus (“sex”), equivalent to sex + -ual.