# sexual

/ˈsɛkʃuəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɛkʃuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sexual
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical intimacy

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to physical intimacy or the feelings and activities connected to it.

For teachers: pertaining to sexual intercourse, physical intimacy, or the psychological and physiological drive for such contact.

- The couple sought advice to improve their sexual relationship.
- The study examines how modern technology has influenced sexual behaviour and the formation of romantic expectations among young adults.

### 2. biological reproduction

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the way animals and plants produce young by combining male and female cells.

For teachers: pertaining to the mode of reproduction involving the fusion of female and male gametes.

- Most mammals use sexual reproduction to have babies.
- Sexual reproduction provides a significant evolutionary advantage by increasing genetic diversity within a population over successive generations.

### 3. identity and orientation

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to a person's feelings of attraction toward others.

For teachers: relating to an individual's sexuality, orientation, or identity as a social and psychological construct.

- The law protects people from being treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation.
- The seminar focused on the history of sexual identity and how societal norms have shifted regarding gender roles since the mid-twentieth century.

### 4. a person who feels attraction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

a person who feels physical attraction to others, often used to contrast with people who do not.

For teachers: an individual who experiences sexual attraction; frequently employed in sociological or psychological contexts to distinguish from asexual individuals.

- The researcher compared the dating habits of sexuals and asexuals.
- In this specific psychological framework, the term 'sexual' is used as a noun to categorise participants who report consistent levels of interpersonal attraction.

Usage: This noun use is primarily found in academic or specialised discussions about sexuality.

## Examples

- The doctor asked about my sexual health during the checkup.
- Many animals use bright colors or complex songs to attract a sexual partner during the mating season.
- The study examines how sexual reproduction allows for greater genetic diversity within a population compared to asexual methods of propagation.

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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.