sexes

Noun

sex (countable and uncountable, plural sexes)

1. (countable) A category into which sexually-reproducing organisms are divided on the basis of their reproductive roles in their species; the system of such categories, which can differ by organism or by taxonomic branch.
   • The effect of the medication is dependent upon age, sex, and other factors.

   Synonyms:

   gender

2. (countable) Another category, especially of humans and especially based on sexuality or gender roles.
   • Still there are some loop-holes out of which a man may creep, and dare to think and act for himself; but for a woman it is an herculean task, because she has difficulties peculiar to her sex to overcome, which require almost super-human powers.1791 (date written), Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: With Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects, London: […] J[oseph] Johnson, […], published 1792, →OCLC
3. (countable) The members of such a category, taken collectively.
   • It was a weakness / In me, but incident to all our sex.1671, John Milton, Samson Agonistes, section 774
4. (uncountable) The distinction and relation between these categories, especially in humans; gender.
   • A lot of women now like men to pay for them on dates... We've dealt with the outdated view of sex underpinning this.2005 November 11, Guardian, section 18
5. (literary, obsolete, uncountable, with-definite-article) Women; the human female gender and those who belong to it.
   • The sex of Venice are undoubtedly of a distinguished beauty.1789 November 3, Arthur Young, Travels... undertaken with a view of ascertaining the cultivation... of the kingdom of France, i, 220
6. (uncountable) Sexual activity, may be understood to be sexual intercourse unless preceded by a modifier.
   • We marry in fear and trembling, sex for a home is the woman's traffic, and the man comes to his heart's desire when his heart's desire is dead.1899, H[erbert] G[eorge] Wells, “In the Raphael Gallery”, in Love and Mr. Lewisham: The Story of a Very Young Couple, New York, N.Y.: George H[enry] Doran Company, →OCLC, page 144

See all 11 meanings of sex