sexnoun1
Etymology
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There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun sex, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Earliest known use
Middle English
The earliest known use of the noun sex is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).
OED's earliest evidence for sex is from before 1382, in Bible (Wycliffite, early version).
sex is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.
Etymons: French sexe; Latin sexus.
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sex, n.¹ was revised in December 2008.
sex, n.¹ was last modified in March 2025.
oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:
Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into sex, n.¹ in March 2025.
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