What does sexy mean?
Sexy is an adjective meaning sexually attractive, alluring, or arousing. It can describe a person, garment, image, performance, or other feature that evokes sexual interest. The word also has a widespread informal figurative use, as in a “sexy offer” or “sexy technology,” where it conveys appeal, excitement, sophistication, or a sense that something is particularly compelling. This broader meaning is common in advertising and informal conversation, though context determines whether the implication is primarily aesthetic, commercial, or sexual. Sexy developed in the late nineteenth century from sex and the suffix -y, extending the older noun into a term for sexual attractiveness. Its figurative senses followed as speakers began applying the adjective to things associated with desire and fascination beyond physical appearance. The word is useful because it combines a direct physical meaning with a flexible, often playful way of describing something that feels intensely attractive or exciting.
adjectiveSexually attractive or arousing. Informally, it can also mean appealing, exciting, or compelling in a nonsexual sense.
- Sexually attractive, alluring, or arousing.
- Informally appealing, exciting, or compelling, especially of a person, product, idea, or offer.
"She wore a striking red dress that looked both elegant and sexy."
"The singer performed under a blue spotlight, making the entire sequence feel impossibly sexy."
"The engineers unveiled a sexy new design that made an otherwise complicated system feel simple."
The word “sexy” began as an adjective attached to sex itself, but it now lends its persuasive power to clothing, ideas, technology, and negotiations alike.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sexy
Sexy was formed in the late nineteenth century by adding the suffix -y to sex. The underlying noun sex comes from Latin sexus, meaning “sex” or “kind” and originally referring more broadly to division or classification. From that Latin root English developed related forms such as sexual and sexuality; sexual ultimately derives through Latin sexualis. The adjective sexy later acquired figurative meanings involving appeal and desirability beyond a literal sexual sense.
Related word forms
How sexy is actually used
The literal sense is common in both formal and informal English. Its figurative use is especially associated with advertising, fashion, technology, and informal speech. “Sexy” can sometimes suggest boldness or visual appeal rather than sexual attraction.
Easily confused with sexy
Sex refers to sexual activity, reproduction, or matters relating to sexual characteristics, whereas sexy describes something that is sexually attractive or arousing.