Word
lesbian
Phoneticsles·bian
US/ˈɫɛzbiən/
UK/lˈɛsbiən/
Definitions
01a homosexual woman
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a woman who is sexually and romantically attracted to other women.
n. a woman who identifies as having a sexual and romantic orientation exclusively toward other women.
“She has been an active member of the local lesbian community for many years.”
“The documentary explores the historical challenges faced by lesbians in the workplace during the mid-twentieth century.”
Synonyms
02relating to female homosexuality
A2 · Elementary
adj. describing women who are attracted to other women, or things related to them.
adj. pertaining to female homosexuality or the culture and identity of women attracted to other women.
“The bookstore has a large section dedicated to lesbian literature and history.”
“The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of a lesbian relationship without relying on tired stereotypes.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03person from Lesbos
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person who comes from the Greek island of Lesbos.
n. a native or inhabitant of the Aegean island of Lesbos.
“The famous ancient poet Sappho was a Lesbian, meaning she lived on the island of Lesbos.”
“The local museum features several artifacts donated by prominent Lesbians who wish to preserve the island's unique heritage.”
04relating to the island of Lesbos
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. relating to the Greek island of Lesbos.
adj. of or pertaining to the island of Lesbos, its people, or its culture.
“We enjoyed tasting the local Lesbian wine during our trip to the island.”
“The scholar specialized in Lesbian dialects of the Aeolic Greek language used during the archaic period.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lesbian” in context.
Verb
01. come out as a lesbian
“The actress decided to come out as a lesbian in a heartfelt social media post.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
02. identify as a lesbian
“She first identified as a lesbian during her university years.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
03. closeted lesbian
“The novel explores the challenges faced by a closeted lesbian in the 1950s.”
adj + noun
04. out lesbian
“She was the first out lesbian to be elected to the city council.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. lesbian community
“The local community center provides a safe space for the lesbian community to gather.”
noun + noun
06. lesbian rights
“She has spent her entire career advocating for lesbian rights and gender equality.”
noun + noun
07. lesbian visibility
“The festival aims to increase lesbian visibility in the mainstream media.”
noun + noun
Usage
Can be used as both a noun and an adjective; when used as an adjective, it does not change form.
Real-World Examples
“When Büchner comes out as a lesbian to Stella and introduces Maddy into their lives, things start to become a little more complicated.” “It covers her young adulthood in the 1970s, where she comes out as lesbian (“The electricity doesn’t go out.” Etymology
From Latin Lesbius (“Lesbian”) (for further etymology, see Ancient Greek Λέσβος (Lésbos)) + adjective suffix -an, from Latin adjective suffix -anus. The sense of “gay woman” is a reference to Sappho, a famous inhabitant of Lesbos and gay poet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lesbian