n.
- either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and most other living things are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions.
▸the fact of belonging to one of these categories.
▸the group of all members of either sex.
- sexual activity, specifically sexual intercourse.
▸euphemistic a person's genitals.
v.
- determine the sex of.
-
(sex something up)
informal present something in a more interesting or lively way.
-
(sex someone up)
informal arouse or attempt to arouse someone sexually.
Derivative
Usage
On the difference between the words sex (in sense 1 above) and gender, see usage at gender.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. sexe or L. sexus.