# Gays

/ˈɡeɪz/ (US) · /ɡˈeɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gays
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. people attracted to the same gender

noun · CEFR B1

people who are attracted to others of the same gender.

For teachers: plural noun referring to homosexual individuals, particularly men, though often used as an umbrella term for the community.

- The festival was attended by many gays and their allies from across the city.
- Sociologists have studied how urban spaces were historically reclaimed by gays to form supportive communities during the late twentieth century.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the community as a whole, though some speakers prefer 'gay people' for a more personal tone.

## Examples

- The city has many events organized by and for gays.
- The local community center provides a safe space for young gays and lesbians to meet and share their experiences.
- Sociologists have studied how the migration of gays to urban centers in the mid-twentieth century helped foster the political movements that eventually secured modern civil rights.

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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.