homo

1 of 4

noun (1)

ho·​mo ˈhō-(ˌ)mō 

plural homos

often capitalized

: any of a genus (Homo) of hominids that includes modern humans (H. sapiens) and several extinct related species (such as H. erectus and H. habilis)

homo

2 of 4

noun (2)

plural homos

slang, offensive

: a gay person

—used as a term of abuse and disparagement

homo

3 of 4

adjective

1

disparaging + offensive : of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to people of one's same sex : gay

2

disparaging + offensive : of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between people of the same sex

homo-

4 of 4

combining form

see hom-

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin Homin-, Homo, from Latin, human being — more at homage

Noun (2)

short for homosexual entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1917, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

homo

1 of 2 noun

ho·​mo

ˈhō-mō

plural homos

: any of a genus of primate mammals that includes all human beings alive today and extinct related species

homo-

2 of 2

see hom-

Medical Definition

homo

noun

ho·​mo ˈhō-(ˌ)mō 

1

Homo : a genus of primate mammals of the family Hominidae that includes modern humans (H. sapiens) and several extinct related species (such as H. erectus and H. habilis)

2

plural homos : any living or extinct member of the genus Homo