intersex

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​sex ˈin-tər-ˌseks How to pronounce intersex (audio)
1
: an individual having the condition of intersexuality
2

intersex

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to intersexuality
intersex conditions
also : exhibiting intersexuality
an intersex individual

Examples of intersex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Regardless of the messaging, however, Benitez’s intersex identity is a surprise and likely to earn pushback accordingly. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 The drama follows Shams, a young seamstress whose tranquil life unravels when their intersex identity, and the steamy love triangle in which their are entwined, is exposed. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Benitez is intersex, having reproductive parts that don't fit the traditional definition of male or female. Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Two intersex people in South Africa — one a beauty queen, another an activist — share their unique experiences in director Tunde Skovran’s film, executive produced by Patricia Arquette. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for intersex 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from German Intersex, probably back-formation from intersexuell intersexual

Note: Intersex was introduced by the German biologist Richard Goldschmidt (1878-1958) in "Vorläufige Mitteilung über weitere Versuche zur Vererbung und Bestimmung des Geschlechts," Biologisches Centralblatt, 53. Band, No. 12 (20. Dezember 1915) pp. 565-70. Goldschmidt used the word in English in a translation of this article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 2, no. 1 (January 15, 1916), pp. 53-58 ("A Preliminary Report on Further Experiments in Inheritance and Determination of Sex").

Adjective

from attributive use of intersex entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersex was circa 1908

Dictionary Entries Near intersex

Cite this Entry

“Intersex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersex. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intersex

noun
in·​ter·​sex ˈint-ər-ˌseks How to pronounce intersex (audio)
: an individual that is intermediate in sexual characteristics between a typical male and a typical female

Medical Definition

intersex

1 of 2 noun
in·​ter·​sex
ˈint-ər-ˌseks
1
: an individual having the condition of intersexuality
2

intersex

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to intersexuality
intersex conditions
also : exhibiting intersexuality
an intersex individual
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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