Meaning & use
queer
Last updated
A term used to describe a sexual orientation or gender identity that is not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.
See it in a sentence
The film festival celebrated queer filmmakers from around the world.
There was something queer about the way the old house creaked at night.
A note on using this word
Once used mainly as a slur, "queer" has been widely reclaimed since the late 20th century as a neutral or positive umbrella term for LGBTQ+ identities, though some people still find it offensive depending on context and who is using it.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Strange, odd, or different from what is usual.
He gave a queer little laugh before answering.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “queer”, then compare your use with the examples above.