Dictionary.com Adds 8 LGBTQ+-Inclusive Terms

Dictionary.com has updated their website with eight new LGBTQ+-inclusive terms. A total of 566 new definitions and terms were added to the website, many from current internet and youth culture, but the eight terms in relation to LGBTQ+ identity show an interesting look into the terms and identities that are actively entering today’s vocabulary.

In their stride to be inclusive, Dictionary.com has additionally gotten rid of gendered language in their examples, opting to use “their” instead of “his” or “hers” pronouns. The website follows a pattern of dictionaries updating their definitions to be more inclusive. In 2019, Merriam-Webster announced they would be adding the singular “they” pronoun definition to their dictionary. In 2022, the Language Council of Norway added the gender-neutral pronoun “hen”—a mix of the Norwegian pronouns “Han” (feminine) and  “Hun” (masculine)—to their dictionaries. And Dictionary.com themselves had a major update in 2020 in which they updated their LGBTQ+ terms to be more inclusive and accurate—including highlighting “homosexual” as an outdated term. 

As language evolves, it is important that those seeking definitions of varying sexualities and identities find an accurate and respectful definition that does not incorrectly shape their view of these identities by using outdated terminology. In addition, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ terms in an easily accessible place such as the dictionary can help those who are unsure of or questioning their own identities have access to an unbiased definition of multiple identities and sexualities.

And without further ado, the eight LGBTQ+ inclusive words and terms added to Dictionary.com are…

1. amalgagender: (adjective) noting or relating to a person whose gender identity is linked to or impacted by the fact that they are intersex.
2. autoromantic: (adjective). noting or relating to a person who primarily feels romantic attraction to and desire for themselves, as opposed to other people.
3. autosexual: (adjective). noting or relating to a person who primarily feels sexual attraction to and desire for themselves, as opposed to other people.
4. diverse-owned: (adjective) (of a business) owned by someone who is part of a group historically underrepresented in entrepreneurship, such as women, ethnic or racial minorities, LGBTQ+ people, etc.
5. gay marry: (verb) to marry a person of the same gender.
6. polyromantic: (adjective) noting or relating to a person who is romantically attracted to people of various genders, but not necessarily to people of all genders.
7. polysexual: (adjective) noting or relating to a person who is sexually attracted to people of various genders, but not necessarily to people of all genders.
8. stealth: (adjective) (of a transgender person) living as a cisgender member of one’s identified gender, without revealing that one is transgender.