sex-neutral
|sex-neu-tral|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɛksˌnuːtrəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɛksˌnjuːtrəl/
not specific to a sex
Etymology
'sex-neutral' originates from English, combining 'sex' (from Latin 'sexus', where 'sexus' meant 'state of being male or female') and 'neutral' (from Latin 'neuter', where 'neu-' meant 'not' and 'uter' meant 'either of two').
'sex' derives from Latin 'sexus' and entered English via Old French and Medieval Latin forms; 'neutral' evolved from Latin 'neuter' to Old French 'neutre' and Middle English 'neutral'; the compound 'sex-neutral' was formed in modern English in the 20th century.
Initially the components meant 'male or female' and 'neither of two' respectively; over time the compound came to mean 'not specific to either sex' and is now used for language, policies, clothing, and social roles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not specific to or not distinguishing between sexes or genders; applicable to all sexes or genders (used of language, policies, clothing, roles, etc.).
The company's hiring guidelines are sex-neutral to encourage applicants of any gender.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/17 15:17