sex

[sɛks]

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

Sex is the quality that makes a living thing male or female. This difference affects how it grows and has babies.

When people talk about sex, they usually mean whether a person is biologically male (has a penis) or female (has a vagina). But in conversations about relationships, "sex" can also refer to intimate contact between two people - although this usage often carries a more adult connotation. Some people might use the word when discussing attraction, intimacy, or even just being romantic with someone.

How common is "sex"?

Word sex is considered common in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species.
Example: The effect of the medication is dependent upon age, sex, and other factors.
Another category, especially of humans and especially based on sexuality or gender roles.
The members of such a category, taken collectively.
The distinction and relation between these categories, especially in humans; gender.
(with "the") Women; the human female sex and those who belong to it.
Sexual activity, usually sexual intercourse unless preceded by a modifier.
Genitalia: a penis or vagina.

1 / 7

verb

To determine the sex of an animal.
To have sex with.

1 / 2

gender

Real examples of "sex" in context

Ryan Reynolds Shows Up Instead of Will Ferrell | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Interview

The sex is totally normal.

2:22

You, the sexiest man alive.

4:08

Jensen Ackles Was Put in Extremely Odd Adult Positions in The Boys

Interview

odd sexual positions.

4:35

there's just, I got two sexual positions I hate.

4:43

Jennifer Lawrence & Chris Pratt Insult Each Other | CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE!

Entertainment

Before our sex scene, I took two Pepto Bismol.

3:41

During our sex scene, I felt your dick rubbing...

3:51

Ryan Reynolds & Jake Gyllenhaal Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED

Entertainment

Canada had sex with America and then they made the two of them and they're twins.

0:29

Box of Lies with Margot Robbie

Interview

That's sexy, huh?

3:08

I mean, it's kind of sexy, like, I...

1:08

Gerard Butler Cried While Watching How to Train Your Dragon, Shares Reactions to His Stoick Voice

Interview

You're a sexy jerk.

0:58

Bob Odenkirk Rewatches Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Nobody 2 & More | Vanity Fair

Entertainment

I went to one of those sex shows in Times Square like in 1982.

12:49

The performers were so bored, they were having sex but they weren't engaged at all in it.