sex

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. physical activity between people that is related to their sexual feelings, especially intercourse.

n. sexual activity, specifically sexual intercourse or other physical intimate acts.

“The movie was rated for adults because it contained scenes of sex and violence.”

“The health clinic provides resources for young adults to discuss safe sex and reproductive health in a confidential environment.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. men and women considered as two separate groups.

n. the members of the male or female categories taken collectively.

“The new law aims to promote equality between the sexes in the workplace.”

“Historically, the two sexes were expected to occupy very different social spheres, though these boundaries have blurred significantly in the modern era.”

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

v. to find out if an animal is male or female.

v. to determine the biological sex of an organism, especially a young animal.

“It can be very difficult to sex a young kitten until it is a few weeks old.”

“Specialized technicians are employed by the hatchery to sex the chicks shortly after they emerge from their shells.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic · Literary

n. an old-fashioned way to refer to women.

n. the female gender or women collectively; now largely restricted to historical or literary contexts.

“In the old novel, the author refers to women as the fair sex.”

“The essayist’s patronizing remarks regarding the weaker sex reflect the prevailing social prejudices of the eighteenth century.”