demisexual

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adjective

demi·​sex·​u·​al ˌde-mē-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl 

-ˈsek-shəl

: feeling sexual attraction towards another person only after establishing an emotional bond with that person

People who identify as demisexual only feel sexual attraction to another person if they form a strong emotional bond or connection with them first.

—Medical News Today

For example, there are many asexual and demisexual people who consider themselves polyamorous. These are people who don't really consider sex part of how they form romantic relationships, or don't feel sexual desire whatsoever.

—Lindsay Dodgson

demisexual

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noun

plural demisexuals

: a person who feels sexual attraction towards another person only after establishing an emotional bond with that person

Some people under the asexual umbrella may identify as being a demisexual and can only experience sexual attraction when they have a … connection with another person.

—Amber Leventry

To put it simply, demisexuals only like someone once they've formed a strong emotional connection. Then, and only then, can the possibility of sexual attraction arise.

—Katie O'Malley and Becky Burgum

Demisexuals typically don't do one-night stands or have flings. We build our physical relationships from pieces of our emotional ones.

—Amanda Finn

Examples of demisexual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Other identities on the asexuality spectrum include demisexual, gray ace or queerplatonic. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024

Learning what the 'A' in LGBTQIA stands for. More on asexuality:What people are getting wrong about asexuality (a lot) What are the colors of the Demisexual Flag? Those who identify as demisexual have their own Pride Flag as well. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023

Is demisexual the same as asexual? —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2023

The demisexual flag has the same colors as the asexual flag, but its own configuration to differentiate it. —Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 16 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

demi- + sexual (after asexual, heterosexual entry 1, etc.)

Noun

derivative of demisexual entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

2007, in the meaning defined above

Noun

2006, in the meaning defined above