sapiosexual

adjective

sa·pi·o·sex·u·al ˌsā-pē-ō-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl

ˌsa-

-shü-əl,

-ˈsek-shəl

: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to highly intelligent people

Those who are sapiosexual find the capacity to carry a witty, clever conversation to be the most attractive trait in a person.—

Anika Madhusudhan

sapiosexual noun

plural sapiosexuals

Ever wondered what turns on a sapiosexual? Well, smart conversations do. —

Ismat Tahseen

sapiosexuality

ˌsā-pē-ō-ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē

ˌsa-

-shü-ˈa-

noun

… the continued popularity of sapiosexuality on dating apps shows just how much online dating changes the way we express our relationship needs and desires. —

Jess Joho

Examples of sapiosexual 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.

Conversation is the aphrodisiac for sapiosexual air signs, but remember that touching can be as pleasurable as talking and texting. —

The Astrotwins, ELLE, 3 Feb. 2023 An intense sapiosexual attraction arises, so strong that Leda can still conjure the intensity of it all these years later. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

sapi(ent) or its source Latin sapient-, sapiens "rational, wise, having sound judgment" + -o- + -sexual, as in heterosexual entry 1, homosexual entry 1

First Known Use

2004, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sapiosexual was in 2004

See more words from the same year