# homosexual

/ˌhoʊmoʊˈsɛkˌʃəwəɫ/ (US) · /hˌəʊməʊsˈɛkʃuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/homosexual
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. attracted to the same sex

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

describing someone who is romantically or sexually attracted to people of their own sex.

For teachers: pertaining to sexual or romantic attraction directed toward members of one's own sex.

- The researcher studied the history of homosexual relationships in ancient societies.
- The report examined the specific challenges faced by homosexual individuals within the healthcare system during the late twentieth century.

Usage: Often used in medical, legal, or historical contexts.

Teaching tip: In everyday conversation, 'gay' is much more common and often preferred, as 'homosexual' can sound overly clinical or cold to some speakers.

### 2. a person attracted to the same sex

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who is attracted to people of the same sex.

For teachers: an individual whose primary or exclusive sexual orientation is toward members of the same sex.

- The law was changed to protect the rights of homosexuals in the workplace.
- The archive contains personal letters written by homosexuals living in London during the 1920s.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun.

Teaching tip: Using this word as a noun can be seen as offensive or dehumanizing by some people today; using it as an adjective (e.g., 'homosexual people') or using the term 'gay' is generally safer.

## Examples

- The researcher interviewed several homosexual men for the study.
- The historical document discussed the rights of homosexuals in the early twentieth century.

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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.