Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women.
A lesbian is a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women. The term is also used as an adjective for relationships, communities, and topics related to female homosexuality.
What it is
Lesbian is a noun for a woman attracted to other women, and it also functions as an adjective (e.g., lesbian relationship). The word is part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum and is generally accepted as a neutral term in English.
Word origin and spelling
The term comes from Lesbos, a Greek island. Standard English spelling is 'lesbian' (pronounced /ˈlɛzbɪən/). 'Lesbi' is a nonstandard short form or misspelling, not found in dictionaries.
Broader identity usage
While most definitions focus on women, some modern LGBTQ+ sources note that nonbinary people may also identify as lesbian, depending on how they define their orientation. Usage varies by community and context.
In short
- A lesbian is a woman attracted to other women.
- The word is also an adjective for related things.
- Historically links to the Greek island Lesbos.
- Standard spelling is 'lesbian,' not 'lesbi.'
Canadian English uses the standard term 'lesbian' in the same way as other major English varieties, and it is a common identity term within Canadian LGBTQ+ discourse.
Quick questions
What does 'lesbi' mean?
Is 'lesbi' an offensive term?
How do you spell 'lesbian'?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LesbianSupports: Basic definition of lesbian as a homosexual woman and adjectival use.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/lesbianSupports: Definition, adjective use, and origin-related meanings.
- Collins Dictionary — https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/lesbianSupports: Definitions, adjective use, and relation to Lesbos.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/lesbianSupports: Standard definition and pronunciation.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesbianSupports: Noun and adjective definitions and origin-related entry.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/lesbianSupports: Definition as a woman sexually or romantically attracted to other women.
- Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/lesbianSupports: Concise neutral definition as a woman attracted to other women.
- WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-it-means-be-lesbianSupports: Modern explanatory definition and note that some nonbinary people may identify as lesbian.