Lesbian - meaning and definition
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Definition
Describes a woman, or a non-binary person with a connection to womanhood, who is attracted to women.
At a glance
- Describes women, and some non-binary people, who are attracted to women.
- The word refers to the Greek island of Lesbos, home of the poet Sappho.
- Sapphic is a related, often broader term for women who love women.
- Lesbian communities have their own history and vocabulary, including butch and femme.
In detail
The word lesbian comes from the Greek island of Lesbos, home of the ancient poet Sappho, who wrote about love between women. "Sapphic" is used in a similar way, often as a broader term for women who love women, including bisexual and pansexual women.
Lesbian communities have their own rich history, culture and vocabulary, including identities such as butch and femme. Some non-binary people also use the word because it fits their experience.
In a sentence
- She's a lesbian and met her partner through a community book club.
- Our town's lesbian history project is collecting stories from women who lived here in the 1970s.
Where the word comes from
From Lesbos, the Greek island where the poet Sappho lived around 600 BCE and wrote about love between women. The word took on its modern meaning of women attracted to women in the late nineteenth century.
Common questions
What is the difference between lesbian and sapphic?
Lesbian usually describes women attracted only or mainly to women. Sapphic is often used more broadly for any woman who loves women, including bisexual and pansexual women.
Can non-binary people be lesbians?
Some non-binary people with a connection to womanhood use lesbian because it fits their experience and community. It is a personal choice.