Definition of SEX

sex

Plural: sexes

Noun

  • activities associated with sexual intercourse
    • "they had sex in the back seat"
  • either of the two categories (male or female) into which most organisms are divided
    • "the war between the sexes"
  • all of the feelings resulting from the urge to gratify sexual impulses
    • "he wanted a better sex life"
    • "the film contained no sex or violence"
  • the properties that distinguish organisms on the basis of their reproductive roles
    • "she didn't want to know the sex of the foetus"
  • A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch.
  • Another category, especially of humans and especially based on sexuality or gender roles.
  • The members of such a category, taken collectively.
  • The distinction and relation between these categories, especially in humans; gender.
  • Women; the human female gender and those who belong to it.
  • Sexual activity, usually sexual intercourse unless preceded by a modifier.
  • Genitalia: a penis or vagina/vulva.
  • Alternative form of sect.

Verb

Verb Forms: sexed, sexing, sexes

  • To determine the sex of an organism; to categorize by gender.
  • stimulate sexually
  • tell the sex (of young chickens)
  • To determine the sex of (an animal).
  • To have sex with.
  • To have sex.

Examples

  • The effect of the medication is dependent upon age, sex, and other factors.
  • the fairer sex
  • You can’t sex these Scrabble tiles by touch; they’re all identical.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English sexe (“gender”), from Old French sexe (“genitals; gender”), from Latin sexus (“gender; gender traits; males or females; genitals”), from Proto-Italic *seksus, from Proto-Indo-European *séksus, from *sek- (“to cut, cut off, sever”), thus meaning "section, division" (into male and female).
Usage for women influenced by Middle French le sexe (“women”) (attested in 1580). Usage for third and additional sexes calqued from French troisième sexe, referring to masculine women in 1817 and homosexuals in 1847. First used by Lord Byron and others in English in reference to Catholic clergy. Usage for sexual intercourse first attested in 1899 (in the writings of H. G. Wells).

Synonyms

arouse, excite, gender, sex activity, sexual activity, sexual practice, sexual urge, sexuality, turn on, wind up, copulate, do it, get it on, have sex

Scrabble Score: 10

sex: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
sex: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
sex: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

sex: valid Words With Friends Word