Gender-neutral Definition & Meaning

Definition

Examples

gender-neutral American [jen-der-noo-truhl, -nyoo-] / ˈdʒɛn dərˈnu trəl, -ˈnyu- /

adjective

1. noting or relating to a word or phrase that does not refer to one gender only.

   Firefighter and flight attendant are gender-neutral terms.

2. using words wherever appropriate that are free of reference to gender.

   gender-neutral language.

3. relating to, intended for, or common to any gender.

   a nursery decorated with gender-neutral colors.

4. noting or relating to a person of neutral gender, neither male nor female.

   raising a gender-neutral child to avoid gender stereotypes.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gender-neutral bathrooms: All public schools in California will be required to provide at least one all-gender bathroom starting July 1.

From Los Angeles Times

Several worker-friendly measures - mandatory appointment letters, uniform minimum wages, free annual health check-ups for those over 40, and gender-neutral pay - are welcome steps.

From BBC

"This is a gender-neutral dance," Gu said.

From BBC

Marg, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, says their own attempts to raise concerns were "laughed at" in meetings with bosses.

From BBC

When Morgan asked Yee if there should be a gender-neutral 2028 L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.