Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to sex or the biological distinction between male and female: Pertaining to the physical and physiological characteristics, behaviors, and processes associated with being male or female, or with the act of sex.
   • Involving or characterized by sexual intercourse or attraction: Concerned with the physical and emotional interactions between individuals that are associated with sexual desire and activity.
   • (Biology) Relating to reproduction involving the fusion of male and female gametes: Pertaining to the process of generating new organisms through the combination of genetic material from two parents.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The doctor discussed sexual health during the annual check-up.
  • They were in a sexual relationship for several years.
  • Many plants rely on sexual reproduction to propagate.
  • The film explored themes of sexual identity and desire.

Advanced Usage

• "Sexual orientation": A person's inherent or enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to men, women, both genders, or none.
  • The company's policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• "Sexual harassment": Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
  • She filed a complaint about sexual harassment in the workplace.

Variants and Related Words

• Sexuality (n): The quality or state of being sexual; a person's sexual character, potential, or activity.
  • The course covered the history of human sexuality.
• Sexually (adv): In a sexual manner; with reference to sex.
  • The disease can be sexually transmitted.
• Asexual (adj): Not involving or characterized by sexual attraction or activity; (in biology) reproduction not involving the fusion of gametes.
  • Some organisms reproduce through asexual means like budding.

Synonyms

• Carnal: Relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities.
• Erotic: Relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.
• Genital: Relating to the reproductive organs.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Sexual intercourse: The physical act of sex between people.
  • The topic of sexual intercourse was discussed in the health class.
• Sexual assault: Any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.
  • The survivor received counseling after the sexual assault.
• Sexual dimorphism: Distinct difference in size or appearance between the sexes of an animal in addition to difference between the sexual organs themselves.
  • The bright plumage of the male peacock is an example of sexual dimorphism.

Adjective

1. involved in a sexual relationship
   • the intimate (or sexual) relations between husband and wife
   • she had been intimate with many men
   • he touched her intimate parts
2. having or involving sex
   • sexual reproduction
   • sexual spores
3. of or relating to or characterized by sexuality
   • sexual orientation
   • sexual distinctions