What does nonsexual mean?
Nonsexual means that something is not connected with sexual activity, desire, arousal, or imagery. It is used to describe relationships, contact, images, forms of care, education, art, and many other situations in which the relevant conduct or subject matter has no sexual dimension. The term can emphasize that affection, closeness, or physical contact is not intended to be erotic or romantic. It is also used in discussion of medical care, where patients may need reassurance that treatment and physical contact are nonsexual, and in discussions of friendship, intimacy, and reproduction. Although related to the term asexual, nonsexual primarily describes the character of a particular situation or thing rather than a person’s sexual orientation.
adjectiveNot relating to or involving sexual activity, desire, or arousal. It describes something that is non-erotic, non-romantic, or intended without sexual significance.
- Not involving sexual activity, desire, arousal, or imagery.
"The workshop offered practical advice for maintaining a close, nonsexual friendship."
"The medical staff provided nonsexual care while treating the patient's injuries."
"The documentary examines friendship as a meaningful, nonsexual bond."
Nonsexual relationships can be deeply intimate: affection, trust, and companionship do not require romance or sexual involvement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonsexual come from?
The word was formed in English by combining the prefix non- with sexual. The adjective sexual was borrowed from Latin sexualis, which is derived from sexus, a Latin word associated with sexual distinction and the customary or lawful arrangements surrounding sex and marriage. Modern nonsexual uses the prefix to negate the sexual character of something.
Related word forms
How nonsexual is actually used
The adjective is formal and descriptive. It is especially common in contexts involving relationships, caregiving, medical care, art, education, and the distinction between sexual and nonsexual conduct. Asexual is related but describes a sexual orientation or lack of sexual attraction, whereas nonsexual describes the character of an act, relationship, image, or situation.