What does libido mean?
Libido is a noun meaning sexual desire or sex drive, especially when viewed as a biological or psychological force. It can also refer more broadly to a person's energetic appetite for pleasure, action, or achievement. In medical and psychological contexts, clinicians use terms such as increased libido, reduced libido, and low libido to describe changes in sexual desire. The word is relatively neutral and clinical in these settings, though it can sound somewhat formal in ordinary conversation. Outside those contexts, libido is sometimes used metaphorically for a strong drive that shapes behavior. Its broad meaning makes it useful for describing both sexual desire and the motivations behind intense interests, ambitions, and pleasurable activities, while its Latin origin links it to the fundamental idea of appetite or inclination.
nounA person's sexual desire or sex drive, especially when considered as a psychological or physiological drive. More broadly, it can refer to a person's fundamental motivation or energetic appetite for activity, achievement, or pleasure.
- A person's sexual desire or sex drive.
- A person's fundamental psychological drive or motivation toward pleasure, activity, or fulfillment.
"The medication reduced her libido, making the side effect difficult to ignore."
"Stress and fatigue can affect libido and sexual performance."
"The novel explores the protagonist's libido for travel, luxury, and adventure."
The plural is grammatically correct but uncommon; discussions of libido usually treat it as an uncountable noun.
"The study compared the libidos of participants across several age groups."
From a Latin word for desire, libido became a modern shorthand for the powerful mix of bodily drive, motivation, and appetite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libido come from?
The English word comes from Latin libido, meaning desire, inclination, or lust. It is related to the Latin verb libet, meaning “it is pleasing” or “one feels inclined.” The word entered English during the 19th century in medical and psychological writing, initially referring chiefly to sexual desire, before broader figurative uses developed. Its relatives include libidinal, libidinous, and libidinously, all preserved in English from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How libido is actually used
In medicine and psychology, libido usually refers specifically to sexual desire. In general cultural or literary usage, it can be broadened to mean an intense desire or driving appetite. The term is clinically meaningful but is not itself a diagnosis.
Easily confused with libido
Libido means sexual or psychological desire, whereas libel means a defamatory statement made in print or other permanent form.