# asexual

/eɪˈsɛksjuəɫ/ (US) · /eɪsˈɛkʃuːəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/asexual
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

describing a living thing that can make offspring without a partner. You see this in some plants and simple animals like starfish.

For teachers: reproducing without the fusion of gametes; lack of sexual organs or activity. Often used in botanical or microbiological contexts.

## Examples

- Some plants use asexual reproduction to spread quickly.
- Single-celled organisms like bacteria typically reproduce through asexual means by dividing into two identical cells.
- In certain environmental conditions, some invertebrate species switch from sexual to asexual reproduction to maximize their population count without the need for a mate.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.