# lesbian

/ˈɫɛzbiən/ (US) · /lˈɛsbiən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a homosexual woman

noun · CEFR A2

a woman who is sexually and romantically attracted to other women.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. relating to female homosexuality

adjective · CEFR A2

describing women who are attracted to other women, or things related to them.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. person from Lesbos

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who comes from the Greek island of Lesbos.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'Lesbian' in this sense.

### 4. relating to the island of Lesbos

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

relating to the Greek island of Lesbos.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'Lesbian' in this sense.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.