# gendered

/ˈdʒɛndɝd/ (US) · /dʒˈɛndəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gendered
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

describing something that is connected to being male or female, or that treats men and women differently.

For teachers: reflecting or biased toward the social or cultural distinctions between sexes. Often used to describe language, roles, or expectations that are not neutral regarding sex.

## Examples

- The teacher avoided using gendered language in the classroom.
- Sociologists study how gendered expectations in childhood can influence the career paths people choose later in life.
- The debate over gendered pronouns in formal writing highlights a shift toward more inclusive linguistic standards that aim to decouple grammatical structures from binary social categories.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often appears in academic or social justice contexts.

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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.