homo

1 of 4

noun (1)

ho·​mo ˈhō-(ˌ)mō How to pronounce homo (audio)
plural homos
often capitalized
: any of a genus (Homo) of hominids that includes modern humans (H. sapiens) and several extinct related species (such as H. erectus and H. habilis)

homo

2 of 4

noun (2)

plural homos
slang, offensive
: a gay person
used as a term of abuse and disparagement

homo

3 of 4

adjective

1
disparaging + offensive : of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to people of one's same sex : gay
2
disparaging + offensive : of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between people of the same sex

homo-

4 of 4

combining form

see hom-

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin Homin-, Homo, from Latin, human being — more at homage

Noun (2)

short for homosexual entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1591, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1923, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homo was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near homo

Cite this Entry

“Homo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homo. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

homo

1 of 2 noun
ho·​mo
ˈhō-mō
plural homos
: any of a genus of primate mammals that includes all human beings alive today and extinct related species

homo-

2 of 2
see hom-

Medical Definition

homo

noun
ho·​mo ˈhō-(ˌ)mō How to pronounce homo (audio)
1
Homo : a genus of primate mammals of the family Hominidae that includes modern humans (H. sapiens) and several extinct related species (such as H. erectus and H. habilis)
2
plural homos : any living or extinct member of the genus Homo

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