What does epicene mean?
Epicene describes things that belong to, or partake of, both sexes — or that lack the distinctive marks of one. Applied to people, it most often characterizes a man whose looks or manner seem delicate or feminine rather than conventionally masculine; applied to clothing, hairstyles, or design, it means unisex, suited to anyone regardless of gender. The word also has a precise technical sense in grammar, where an epicene noun or pronoun can denote either sex — 'they' and 'cousin' being classic examples. Derived from Greek via Latin, epicene entered English in the early seventeenth century. It remains a formal, somewhat literary term: elegant and precise in criticism of art and fashion, but capable of sounding faintly disparaging when aimed at a man's masculinity. Its closest everyday equivalents are 'androgynous' and 'genderless', though neither captures its exact nuance.
Having characteristics of both sexes or of neither; unisex; (of a man) effeminate or lacking virile qualities.
"She favored epicene tailoring — sharp jackets cut to flatter any body."
Can imply criticism when applied to men's masculinity.
(Grammar) Denoting a noun or pronoun applicable to either sex.
"'They' serves as an epicene pronoun when gender is unknown or irrelevant."
Chiefly used in linguistics and traditional grammar.
A person of indeterminate sex; also, an epicene word.
"In older grammar books, nouns like 'sheep' were classed among the epicenes."
Used mainly in older grammatical texts for nouns of common gender; rare in modern writing.
"Latin grammarians grouped certain animal names among the epicenes."
The pronoun 'they' has been an epicene pronoun since the Middle Ages — centuries before anyone argued about it on the internet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epicene
Epicene comes from Greek epikoinos, meaning 'common to' or 'shared by' — from epi- ('upon') and koinos ('common'). It passed into Latin as epicoenus and was adopted into English in the early seventeenth century, initially in its grammatical sense before extending to descriptions of appearance. The same Greek root koinos gives us koine, the common dialect of Hellenistic Greek, and underlies cenobite, a monk living in a religious community.
Related word forms
How epicene is actually used
Formal to literary register; rare in everyday speech. When applied to men it can carry a faintly derogatory connotation of effeminacy, so care is needed; in design and grammar contexts it is neutral. The grammatical sense appears chiefly in linguistics discussions.
Easily confused with epicene
An epicurean is devoted to sensual pleasure or fine food, while epicene describes something blending or lacking the traits of both sexes.