nonsexual

adjective

non·​sex·​u·​al ˌnän-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce nonsexual (audio)
1
: not involving sex or sexual activity
a nonsexual relationship
nonsexual contact
2
: not relating to or associated with sex or the sexes
While the Y chromosome contains the genes that determine maleness and some other nonsexual characteristics, it contains fewer genes than the X chromosome.Faith Hickman Brynie

Examples of nonsexual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many campsites take security and the nonsexual nature of naturism seriously. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024 In comparison, accounts of torture of a nonsexual nature were relatively easy to collect. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 20 July 2024 There’s some nonsexual nudity, including brief full frontals, set in a virtual world. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024 According to a 2018 study published in the science journal PLOS One, nonsexual interpersonal touch between friends, such as receiving hugs, was shown to reduce stress and serve as an effective buffer while experiencing hardship. Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for nonsexual 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonsexual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonsexual was circa 1839

Dictionary Entries Near nonsexual

Cite this Entry

“Nonsexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsexual. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

nonsexual

adjective
non·​sex·​u·​al (ˈ)nän-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce nonsexual (audio)
: not sexual
nonsexual reproduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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