sodomite

noun

sod·​om·​ite ˈsä-də-ˌmīt How to pronounce sodomite (audio)
variants or less commonly Sodomite
plural sodomites also Sodomites
often offensive
: someone who practices sodomy
used as a term of abuse and disparagement for a gay person

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sodomyte, sodomit "one who practices a culturally stigmatized form of sexual intercourse," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French sodomite, borrowed from Late Latin Sodomita "inhabitant of Sodom, one who practices a culturally stigmatized form of sexual intercourse," borrowed from Greek Sodomítēs "inhabitant of Sodom," from Sódoma sodom + -itēs -ite entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sodomite was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sodomite

Cite this Entry

“Sodomite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodomite. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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