lesbianism

noun

les·​bi·​an·​ism ˈlez-bē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce lesbianism (audio)
: romantic or sexual attraction between women

Examples of lesbianism 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.
In the 1960s, political lesbianism emerged from the second-wave feminist movement as a means of decentering men from the lives of women. Quispe López, Them, 19 Nov. 2024 After graduating, Medhurst began her blog, Dressing Dykes, which chronicles everything from carabiners to the monocle as a symbol of lesbianism in the 1920s. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 June 2024 The women are so empowered, and there are shades of lesbianism as well. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2024 Before now, faux lesbianism was easier to swallow than actual Sapphic leanings, but Zolita and her peers like Roan and Rapp are seeing success with being themselves — a luxury afforded by lineage. Trish Bendix, NBC News, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lesbianism 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lesbianism was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near lesbianism

Cite this Entry

“Lesbianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesbianism. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

lesbianism

noun
les·​bi·​an·​ism ˈlez-bē-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce lesbianism (audio)
: romantic or sexual attraction between women

More from Merriam-Webster on lesbianism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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