demisexual

1 of 2

adjective

demi·​sex·​u·​al ˌde-mē-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce demisexual (audio)
-ˈsek-shəl
: feeling sexual attraction towards another person only after establishing an emotional bond with that person
People who identify as demisexual only feel sexual attraction to another person if they form a strong emotional bond or connection with them first.Medical News Today
For example, there are many asexual and demisexual people who consider themselves polyamorous. These are people who don't really consider sex part of how they form romantic relationships, or don't feel sexual desire whatsoever.Lindsay Dodgson

demisexual

2 of 2

noun

plural demisexuals
: a person who feels sexual attraction towards another person only after establishing an emotional bond with that person
Some people under the asexual umbrella may identify as being a demisexual and can only experience sexual attraction when they have a … connection with another person.Amber Leventry
To put it simply, demisexuals only like someone once they've formed a strong emotional connection. Then, and only then, can the possibility of sexual attraction arise.Katie O'Malley and Becky Burgum
Demisexuals typically don't do one-night stands or have flings. We build our physical relationships from pieces of our emotional ones.Amanda Finn

Examples of demisexual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Learning what the 'A' in LGBTQIA stands for. More on asexuality:What people are getting wrong about asexuality (a lot) What are the colors of the Demisexual Flag? Those who identify as demisexual have their own Pride Flag as well. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023 Is demisexual the same as asexual? David Oliver, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2023 The demisexual flag has the same colors as the asexual flag, but its own configuration to differentiate it. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demisexual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

demi- + sexual (after asexual, heterosexual entry 1, etc.)

Noun

derivative of demisexual entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

2007, in the meaning defined above

Noun

2006, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demisexual was in 2006

Dictionary Entries Near demisexual

Cite this Entry

“Demisexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demisexual. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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