English Reference
adjective · noun

gay

adj. · n.
US /ˈɡeɪ/ UK /ɡˈeɪ/ gay

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.describing someone who is sexually or emotionally attracted to people of their own gender.

    adj.pertaining to or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to persons of one's own gender.

    Simple

    He felt comfortable coming out as gay to his supportive family.

    In context

    The city's annual pride parade celebrates the history and rights of the gay community and other marginalized groups.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate ArchaicLiterary

    adj.feeling happy, cheerful, or full of energy.

    adj.characterized by happiness, cheerfulness, or high spirits.

    Simple

    The children had a gay time playing in the garden all afternoon.

    In context

    The ballroom was filled with gay laughter and the sound of upbeat music from the live orchestra.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced ArchaicLiterary

    adj.having bright, beautiful, or cheerful colors.

    adj.vividly colored, bright, or showy in appearance.

    Simple

    The garden was filled with gay flowers of every possible color.

    In context

    She wore a gay silk scarf that contrasted sharply with her otherwise somber attire.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a person who is attracted to people of the same gender.

    n.a person who is homosexual, most commonly referring to men.

    Simple

    The club was a popular meeting place for local gays and their friends.

    In context

    The activist fought for the rights of gays and lesbians to be treated equally under the law.

Usage gay men

Asked in a YouTube interview whether he thought people were born gay, Singh replied: “No, it’s a mental illness”.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

To this day, fans still shout “Your dad is gay!” at him in the street, a call-back to the moment when Elijah tartly advises Hannah that she might want to fine-tune her gaydar.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated