lesbian
n. countablen. a woman who is sexually or emotionally attracted to other women. It is the standard and respectful word for this identity.
n. a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women. Often used as an identity label within the LGBTQ+ community.
She has been an out lesbian since her college years.
The community center hosted a networking event specifically for lesbian and bisexual women in the tech industry.
Sociologists have documented how lesbian communities historically created safe spaces and alternative social structures to support one another during periods of intense social exclusion.
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.
Can be used as both a noun and an adjective; when used as an adjective, it does not change form.