androgynous

adjective

an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs 

1

: having the characteristics or nature of both male and female

androgynous heroines

2

a

: neither specifically feminine nor masculine

the androgynous pronoun them

b

: suitable to or for either sex

androgynous clothing

3

: having traditional male and female roles obscured or reversed

an androgynous marriage

androgynously adverb

Synonyms

• genderless
• unisex
• unisexual

Examples of androgynous in a Sentence

the androgynous hairdos favored by the hip

an actor whose androgynous looks are at the heart of his appeal

Recent Examples on the Web

His art explored fluid identities and challenged gender norms, often showcasing an androgynous elegance that was revolutionary for its time. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025

The creepy new wave track, with its minor-key, sci-fi synths and androgynous vocals, harmonized impeccably with the scene’s ominous visuals. —Rich Juzwiak, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

The character is an androgynous misfit, with intended humor deriving from those around Pat not being able to figure out Pat’s gender. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 12 Feb. 2025

Take Amari Frazier, an extraordinarily sensitive performer of almost androgynous qualities. —Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek andrógynos "having male and female characteristics, hermaphrodite" (from andro- andro- + -gynos, adjective derivative of gynḗ "woman") + -ous — more at queen entry 1

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for androgynous

• autogenous
• homogenous
• nitrogenous
• hematogenous
• myelogenous

Kids Definition

androgynous

adjective

an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdrä-jə-nəs 

: having both male and female characteristics

androgynously adverb

androgyny

-nē 

noun

Medical Definition

androgynous

adjective

an·​drog·​y·​nous an-ˈdräj-ə-nəs 

: having the characteristics or nature of both male and female

androgyny

-nē 

noun

plural androgynies