What does omnisexual mean?
Omnisexual is an adjective describing attraction that is not restricted by gender. A person may identify as omnisexual, or describe their attraction, relationships, or experiences in these terms. The word combines the prefix omni-, meaning “all,” with sexual, giving it the broad implication that gender does not determine the scope of attraction. In contemporary English, it is especially associated with discussions of sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationships. It is sometimes compared with pansexual, but the two terms are not always interchangeable: omnisexual can suggest that gender is simply not the relevant boundary, while pansexual is often used to emphasize attraction across multiple genders. Like other identity terms, its precise meaning can vary by speaker and community. Omnisexual is therefore best understood as a broad, inclusive descriptor rather than a claim about attraction to every person.
adjectiveDenoting attraction to people of any gender, or a person who experiences such attraction. The term may also describe relationships, identities, or forms of attraction that are not limited by gender.
- Denoting attraction to people of any gender, or a person who experiences attraction to people of any gender.
"She has described herself as omnisexual, saying that her attraction is not limited by anyone's gender."
"The artist has publicly discussed being omnisexual and has rejected labels that limit attraction to one gender."
"Their relationship is often described in the press as omnisexual because neither partner identifies exclusively with a single gender."
The prefix in omnisexual means “all”: the word presents attraction as something that is not confined by gender.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does omnisexual come from?
The word combines the Latin-derived prefix omni-, meaning “all,” with sexual, from the Latin word sexualis, meaning “of or pertaining to sex.” The formation follows the pattern of English adjectives such as omnipotent and omnivorous, in which omni- indicates universality or all-embracing scope. Omnisexual is a relatively recent English term used for a broad understanding of attraction, and it has appeared alongside other terms describing varied or non-binary sexual and romantic orientations.
Related word forms
How omnisexual is actually used
This is a relatively modern term used especially in personal identity, relationship, and cultural discussions. It is sometimes treated as an umbrella term alongside pansexual, gender-fluid, and related identities, although users and communities may give it different emphases. It should not be interpreted as meaning attraction to every individual.
Easily confused with omnisexual
Both terms can describe attraction beyond a single gender, but omnisexual more explicitly emphasizes attraction without regard to gender, whereas pansexual is often used to emphasize attraction to people across multiple genders.