gay

gay · adjective/noun

imported

Definitions

adjective/noun

  1. 1.

    (Of a person) sexually or romantically attracted to people of the same sex; homosexual.

  2. 2.

    Relating to or used by people who are homosexual.

  3. 3.

    (Dated) Lighthearted, carefree, or brightly colored.

  4. 4.

    A homosexual person, especially a man.

Forms

plural: gays

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gay rights — civil rights for homosexual people
  • •
    gay marriage — marriage between two people of the same sex
  • •
    gay pride — celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and community
  • •
    come out as gay — to publicly reveal one's homosexuality

Related words

Antonyms: heterosexual, straight
See also: LGBTQ, homosexual, lesbian, queer
Synonyms: homosexual, queer, same-sex attracted

Etymology

From Old French gai ("joyful, carefree, showy"), possibly from Frankish wāhi ("beautiful, pretty"). The meaning related to homosexuality emerged in the mid-20th century, becoming the predominant sense by the 1970s.