Definition & Meaning of “Sex”
- Term: Sex
- Pronunciation: /sɛks/
- Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
Meanings:
- Biological classification: The physical and biological characteristics that categorize living beings as male, female, or intersex.
- Sexual activity: The physical act of sexual intercourse or sexual relations between people.
Grammatical Formation:
- As a noun:
Sex is a biological classification.
They had sex last night. - As a verb:
(less common, informal)
They sexed the animals to determine their gender.
Synonyms (depending on context):
sexual intercourse, coitus, intimacy, copulation, gender, classification
Antonyms:
asexuality (in sexual context), genderlessness (in biological context)
Related Terms:
sexuality, gender, biological sex, sexual orientation, intercourse, reproduction
Common Collocations:
- biological sex
- sex differences
- sex education
- sex drive
- sex life
- sex partner
- safe sex
- casual sex
- sex appeal
- sex position
Idiomatic Usage & Expressions:
- “Safe sex” — practicing sexual activity with precautions to prevent STIs and pregnancy.
- “Sex appeal” — attractiveness related to sexual desire.
- “Sex on the brain” — thinking constantly about sex.
- “Have sex” — engage in sexual intercourse.
- “Sex sells” — the idea that sex attracts attention or sells products.
Sample Sentences:
- Sex is a natural part of human biology and reproduction.
- They discussed sex education in school.
- Safe sex practices are important for preventing infections.
- Biological sex is determined by physical and genetic traits.
- The movie included scenes of sex and romance.
- Sex appeal can influence how people are perceived.
Does ‘Sex’ Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?
Yes.
The word sex is closely connected to sexuality. While sex often refers to biological classification or physical acts, sexuality covers a broader range of feelings, identities, orientations, behaviors, and experiences related to sex and attraction.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, sexuality, and self-expression.