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sexual

B2
noun
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈɛkʃuːəl/

US

  • /ˈsɛkʃuəl/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. relating to sexual activity, desire, or erotic intimacy

  2. relating to sexual orientation, sexuality, or sexual identity

  3. relating to biological sex or sexual reproduction

Beyond the definition

The word "sexual" is used for things connected with sex, reproduction, attraction, and intimate behavior. You may see it in medical phrases like "sexual health," in identity-related phrases like "sexual orientation," or in legal and social phrases like "sexual harassment." It can describe body parts, feelings, relationships, behavior, or parts of a person's identity. Because it often refers to private and sensitive topics, the meaning depends a lot on context.

Examples

  1. 1

    Media rating

    The film includes some sexual content, so it is rated for adults.

  2. 2

    Attraction

    She felt a strong sexual attraction to him, but she did not want a relationship.

  3. 3

    Private relationship

    They kept their sexual relationship private.

  4. 4

    Health advice

    The clinic provides advice about sexual health and consent.

More examples
  1. 5

    Orientation

    He spoke openly about his sexual orientation in the interview.

  2. 6

    Workplace misconduct

    The company has strict rules against sexual harassment at work.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

  • nonsexual
  • platonic

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • sexual activity
  • sexual attraction
  • sexual health
  • sexual orientation

Word family

Explore

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • sexualnounadjective

Forms

  • sexualspluralnounadjective