Lesbian

[ lez-bee-uh n ]
/ ˈlɛz bi ən /

adjective

of or relating to Lesbos.
(usually lowercase) of, relating to, or characteristic of female homosexuality.
(usually lowercase) erotic; sensual.

noun

an inhabitant of Lesbos.
(usually lowercase) a female homosexual.

Origin of Lesbian

1595–1605; < Latin Lesbi(us) Lesbian (< Greek Lésbios, equivalent to Lésb(os) Lesbos + -ios adj. suffix) + -an; (defs 2, 5) alluding to the poet Sappho of Lesbos, whose verse deals largely with her emotional relationships with other women

Example sentences from the Web for lesbian

British Dictionary definitions for lesbian (1 of 2)

lesbian
/ (ˈlɛzbɪən) /

noun

a female homosexual

adjective

of or characteristic of lesbians

Derived forms of lesbian

lesbianism, noun

Word Origin for lesbian

C19: from the homosexuality attributed to Sappho

British Dictionary definitions for lesbian (2 of 2)

Lesbian
/ (ˈlɛzbɪən) /

noun

a native or inhabitant of Lesbos
the Aeolic dialect of Ancient Greek spoken in Lesbos

adjective

of or relating to Lesbos
of or relating to the poetry of Lesbos, esp that of Sappho

Medical definitions for lesbian

lesbian
[ lĕzbē-ə-n ]

n.

A woman whose sexual orientation is to other women.

adj.

Relating to or being a lesbian.

Other words from lesbian

lesbi•an•ism n.

Cultural definitions for lesbian

lesbian

A homosexual woman. (See also gay.)