adjective / noun
gay
GAY/ɡeɪ/
Sexually or romantically attracted to people of the same sex.
The gay couple exchange rings at their wedding.
Etymology
Old French gai meant “joyful” or “happy.” English also developed senses associated with sexual freedom and promiscuity; the modern meaning emerged in gay slang before becoming widely familiar.
In context
straight and gay and yet what we've been going through is arguing for marriage equality
More examples
- Her gay uncle brought his husband to dinner.
- The club welcomes gay and straight members alike.
- He told his family that he was gay.
Forms
gay
gayness noun — The state of being gay.
Similar words
- homosexual
- More clinical; gay is usual in everyday descriptions of identity.
- lesbian
- Specifically a woman attracted to women.