# libido

/ɫəˈbidoʊ/ (US) · /lɪbˈiːdəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

the natural desire for sex. It is a psychological term used to describe how much interest a person has in sexual activity.

For teachers: the psychic energy or drive associated with sexual instinct. In modern psychological and medical contexts, it refers specifically to sexual desire or drive.

## Examples

- Stress and lack of sleep can lower your libido.
- The doctor explained that the patient's low libido was likely a side effect of the new medication.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general concept of sexual drive; countable when comparing different levels or types of drive.

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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.