sexual: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈsɛkʃuəl/·SEK-shoo-ul

Sexual (adjective) means connected with the biological differences between males and females.

What does “sexual” mean?

  1. 1

    adjectiveconnected with the biological differences between males and females

    The law bans sexual discrimination at work.
  2. 2

    adjectiveconnected with how living things reproduce

    Many plants use sexual reproduction.

Sexual at a glance

Part of speech
adjective
CEFR level
B2 (upper intermediate)
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛkʃuəl/ · SEK-shoo-ul

How to use “sexual” correctly

In formal writing, “sex discrimination” and “sexual discrimination” are both used for unfair treatment based on sex.

Common phrases with “sexual”

  • sexual discrimination
  • sexual health
  • sexual reproduction

Word family

  • sex
  • sexually
  • sexuality

“sexual” is on these word lists

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