(hōˌmə-sĕkˈsho͞o-əl, -mō-)
adjective Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex.
noun Usage Problem A homosexual person; a gay man or a lesbian.
Usage Note: Many people now avoid using
homosexual because of the emphasis this term places on sexuality. Indeed, the words
gay and
lesbian, which stress cultural and social matters over sex, are frequently better choices.
Homosexual is most objectionable when used as a noun; here
gay man and
gay woman or
lesbian and their plural forms are called for. It is generally unobjectionable when used adjectivally, as in
a homosexual relationship, although
gay, lesbian, or
same-sex are also available for adjectival use. See Usage Note at
gay.