sapphism

noun

sap·​phism ˈsa-ˌfi-zəm How to pronounce sapphism (audio)
: lesbianism

Examples of sapphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most of the women who come for an evening of unabashed sapphism with Skirt Club identify as straight, says LeJeune, a former Bloomberg journalist currently married to a man. —Wednesday Martin, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

Sappho + -ism; from the belief that Sappho was sexually attracted to other women

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapphism was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near sapphism

sapphirine gurnard

sapphism

Sappho

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Cite this Entry

“Sapphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapphism. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

sapphism

noun
sap·​phism ˈsaf-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce sapphism (audio)
: lesbianism

More from Merriam-Webster on sapphism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sapphism

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