“Sexe” is a French word. It means “sex” in English, in the sense of male or female, and it can also refer to the sexual organs. English speakers meet it mostly in French phrases, product names, and fashion terms such as “cache sexe.”
Many people search this word because they see it in a French sentence or a clothing label. Others type it by mistake when they mean the English word “sex.” The right meaning depends on the language and the context, so this guide explains each use in plain English.
Sexe Meaning at a Glance
| Item | Quick Answer |
| Word | sexe |
| Language | French |
| Part of speech | Noun (masculine) |
| Main meaning | Sex, meaning the male or female category |
| Other meanings | The genitals; sexual activity (informal) |
| English equivalent | Sex |
| French pronunciation | Roughly “seks” |
| Plural | sexes |
💡 Tip: “Sexe” is not an English word. If you are writing in English, the correct spelling is “sex.”
What Does Sexe Mean?
The French word “sexe” has three main meanings. Most dictionaries list them in this order.
Meaning 1: Biological sex (male or female)
This is the most common meaning. It describes whether a person or animal is male or female.
- Quel est le sexe du bébé ? means “What is the baby’s sex?”
- Le sexe masculin means “the male sex.”
- Le sexe féminin means “the female sex.”
Meaning 2: The genitals
“Sexe” can also mean the sexual organs. French uses it in medical, legal, and everyday speech. This is why “cache sexe” is a clothing term, as you will see below.
Meaning 3: Sexual activity (informal)
In casual French, “le sexe” can mean sex as an act or as a topic. This is the sense in “après le sexe,” which means “after sex.” Context makes this meaning clear.
Do not mix these meanings. A doctor’s form that asks for “sexe” wants “male” or “female.” A film review that mentions “le sexe” usually means the topic of sex.
Is “Sexe” an English Word?
No. English does not use “sexe” as a normal word. The English word is “sex,” with no final “e.”
You may still see “sexe” in English text for three reasons:
- It is part of a French phrase, such as “cache sexe.”
- It is a spelling mistake for “sex.”
- It appears in a brand name, title, or foreign language content.
Some dictionaries list “cache sexe” as a borrowed word. Standard dictionaries do not list “sexe” on its own as English.
Sexe Meaning in English: How to Translate It
The best English translation depends on the sentence. This table shows the usual choices.
| French Use | Best English Word | Example |
| Biological category | Sex | Le sexe du chat est inconnu. (The cat’s sex is unknown.) |
| Gender on a form | Sex or gender | Sexe : F (Sex: F) |
| Body parts | Genitals | Le sexe de l’enfant (the child’s genitals, in a medical text) |
| Sexual topic | Sex | Le sexe dans les films (Sex in movies) |
| Two groups of people | Sexes | Les deux sexes (both sexes) |
⚠️ Common mistake: Do not translate “le sexe” as “the sexy.” “Sexy” is a different word. It is an English adjective, and French has its own form, “sexy,” borrowed from English.
See more:The Latter Meaning
Grammar of “Sexe”
Part of Speech
“Sexe” is a noun. It names a category, a body part, or a topic.
Gender in French
French nouns have gender. “Sexe” is masculine. That is why French uses “le” and “un” with it.
- le sexe (the sex)
- un sexe (a sex)
- ce sexe (this sex)
Adjectives must match. You say “le sexe féminin,” not “le sexe féminine.”
Singular and Plural
The plural is “sexes.” The spelling is the same as the English plural of “sex.”
| Form | French | Meaning |
| Singular | le sexe | the sex |
| Plural | les sexes | the sexes |
How “Sexe” Works in a Sentence
The word often follows common patterns:
- Le sexe + adjective: le sexe biologique (biological sex)
- Du sexe + de + person: le sexe de la personne (the person’s sex)
- Entre les sexes: l’égalité entre les sexes (equality between the sexes)
How to Pronounce Sexe
French Pronunciation
French speakers say “sexe” as one short syllable. The IPA is /sɛks/. It sounds close to the English word “sex.”
- The “x” sounds like “ks.”
- The “e” at the end is silent.
- The vowel sounds like the “e” in “bed.”
English Speaker Tip
Say it like the English word “sex.” You do not need a special accent. French speakers will understand.
See more:Uphill Battle Meaning
Pronunciation Table
| Word | IPA | Simple Guide |
| sexe (French) | /sɛks/ | seks |
| le sexe | /lə sɛks/ | luh seks |
| après le sexe | /a.pʁɛ lə sɛks/ | ah-preh luh seks |
| cache sexe | /kaʃ sɛks/ | kash seks |
Origin of Sexe
“Sexe” comes from the Latin word sexus, which meant “sex” or “the division into male and female.” French took the word from Latin in the Middle Ages.
The deeper roots of sexus are uncertain. Some scholars link it to the Latin verb secare, meaning “to cut” or “to divide.” The idea is that humans and animals are divided into two groups. This link is discussed in etymology references, but it is not fully settled.
English “sex” comes from the same Latin word, through Old French. English had the word by the 14th century. This shared origin is why the two words look so similar.
Cache Sexe Meaning
“Cache sexe” is the term many English readers look up. It is a French clothing term.
Simple Definition
A cache sexe is a very small garment that covers only the genitals. It is not meant to cover much else. The name comes from two French words:
- cache, from the verb cacher, meaning “hides” or “covers”
- sexe, meaning “genitals” in this case
So the term literally means “genital cover.”
Cache Sexe Meaning in English
In English, a cache sexe is most often described as a G string, a thong, or a loincloth. The exact item depends on the setting.
| Context | What It Usually Means |
| Fashion and lingerie | A tiny brief, like a G string or thong |
| Dance and performance | A minimal costume piece |
| Traditional or tribal dress | A small loincloth or cover |
| Art and museum writing | A garment or covering on a sculpture or figure |
Is It Used in English?
Yes, but rarely. You mostly see it in fashion writing, art history, and travel or cultural writing. It is a borrowed French term, so it is often written in italics.
How to Use It in a Sentence
- The dancer wore a simple cache sexe.
- The museum label described the figure’s cache sexe.
💡 Tip: Use “G string” or “loincloth” in everyday English. Use “cache sexe” only when you want the French term.
Après le Sexe Meaning
“Après le sexe” is French. It means “after sex.”
Word by Word
| French | English |
| après | after |
| le | the |
| sexe | sex |
How People Use It
You may see it as a title, a heading, or a phrase in a conversation. A lifestyle article might use it for relationship advice. A song or film might use it as a title.
Grammar Note
“Après” is a preposition. It must be followed by a noun phrase, so “le sexe” works here. French also uses “après avoir” plus a verb, but that is a different structure.
Common French Expressions With Sexe
French has several expressions built on this word. Some are dated, and one can sound insulting.
| Expression | Literal Meaning | Real Meaning | Note |
| le sexe opposé | the opposite sex | the other sex | Neutral and common |
| le beau sexe | the beautiful sex | women, as a group | Old fashioned, now often seen as outdated |
| le sexe faible | the weak sex | women, as a group | Considered sexist today |
| le sexe fort | the strong sex | men, as a group | Dated |
| entre les sexes | between the sexes | in relations between men and women | Neutral |
⚠️ Note: “Le sexe faible” and “le sexe fort” reflect old stereotypes. Avoid them in modern writing unless you are quoting someone.
Sexes Meaning in English
Many searches use the plural “sexes.” In English, this word has several uses.
Sexes as a Plural Noun
“Sexes” is the plural of “sex.” It usually means male and female together.
- Both sexes can join the club.
- The study included people of both sexes.
Sexes as a Verb
“Sexes” is also the third person singular of the verb “sex.” In this sense, it means “to determine whether an animal is male or female.”
- She sexes the chicks at the farm.
Sexes Meaning in Hindi
In Hindi, “sex” in the sense of male or female is usually translated as लिंग (ling). The same word is also used for grammatical gender. “Sexes” can be translated as लिंग or described as “पुरुष और महिला” (male and female), depending on the sentence.
Sexes Definition in Medical Context
In medicine, “sex” refers to a person’s biological characteristics. These usually include:
- Chromosomes, such as XX and XY
- Reproductive organs
- Hormones
- Other body traits linked to reproduction
Medical sources also recognize that some people are born with variations in these traits. These variations are often called intersex traits or differences in sex development. Medical writing also separates “sex” from “gender.” Sex refers to biological traits. Gender usually refers to social roles and identity.
This article gives a general language explanation only. It is not medical advice.
Female Sexes Meaning
“Female sexes” is an unusual phrase. The word “sexes” is plural and covers both male and female, so “female sexes” is not standard English.
Here are the usual correct forms:
| Instead Of | Use |
| female sexes | the female sex, or females |
| both female sexes | both females |
| the sexes are female | both are female |
Sexes Synonyms
“Sexes” has few perfect synonyms. These words are close, but they are not always interchangeable.
| Word | Difference |
| Genders | Often refers to social roles or identity, not only biology |
| Males and females | The most direct plain English choice |
| Men and women | Refers to adults only |
| Sex categories | Used in science and statistics |
Sexes Pronunciation
Most dictionaries, including Oxford style guides, show the plural with two syllables. The usual sound is “SEK-siz” or “SEK-suhz.” The IPA is roughly /ˈsɛksɪz/.
Related Words People Search
Several words look like “sexe” and cause confusion. This section explains each one.
Sexer Meaning
In English, a “sexer” is a person who determines the sex of young animals. This is common in poultry. A “chick sexer” sorts chicks into male and female groups.
Sexed Up Meaning
“Sexed up” is an informal English phrase. It has two common meanings:
- Made more exciting or attractive. The company sexed up its website.
- Made to seem more dramatic or impressive than the facts support. This second sense became widely known in British politics in 2003. A news report said that a government document had been “sexed up.” The phrase became part of a major public debate.
The phrase is informal. Avoid it in formal writing.
Sexed Up Lyrics Meaning
“Sexed Up” is also the title of a song by Robbie Williams. Song meanings are a matter of interpretation, so there is no single official answer. I cannot reproduce the lyrics here. For the exact words, check the artist’s official channels or a licensed lyrics site. In general, the title uses the phrase in its informal sense, about being made more sexual, glamorous, or provocative.
See more:Silver Lining Meaning
“Sexest Person” Meaning
“Sexest” is a misspelling. The correct word is “sexiest.” It is the superlative of “sexy.”
| Wrong | Correct |
| sexest | sexiest |
| the sexest person | the sexiest person |
“Sexiest person” means the most attractive person in a group, usually in a physical or romantic way.
“Sexey Lady” Meaning
“Sexey” is also a misspelling. The correct spelling is “sexy.” A “sexy lady” is a woman described as attractive or alluring. In some contexts, “sexy” can also mean exciting or appealing, as in “a sexy new phone.” Use this word with care, because it can sound inappropriate in formal or work settings.
Sexennial Meaning
“Sexennial” is a formal English adjective. It has two meanings:
- Lasting for six years
- Happening every six years
The word comes from Latin: sex means “six,” and annus means “year.”
- The university holds a sexennial review.
It is a rare word. You will mostly see it in academic or official writing. It has no connection to sex or gender.
Summary Table of Related Words
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech |
| sexer | person who determines the sex of animals | noun |
| sexed up | made more exciting, or exaggerated | adjective |
| sexiest | most attractive | adjective |
| sexy | attractive or appealing | adjective |
| sexennial | lasting or happening every six years | adjective |
| sexes | male and female; also a verb form | noun, verb |
Sex vs Gender: A Quick Clarification
Readers often ask about this pair. The two words overlap, but they are not the same.
| Word | Usually Refers To | Example |
| Sex | Biological traits | The form asks for your sex. |
| Gender | Social roles and identity | Gender roles differ across cultures. |
Usage varies by field and by country. Some forms use the two words as if they were the same. Always follow the instructions on the document you are filling out.
Common Mistakes With Sexe
Mistake 1: Using “Sexe” in English
❌ Incorrect: What is your sexe?
✅ Correct: What is your sex?
English does not use the “e” ending.
Mistake 2: Wrong Gender in French
❌ Incorrect: la sexe
✅ Correct: le sexe
The French word is masculine.
Mistake 3: Mixing Up Sex and Sexy
❌ Incorrect: She is a very sex person.
✅ Correct: She is a very sexy person.
“Sex” is a noun. “Sexy” is the adjective.
Mistake 4: Writing “Sexest”
❌ Incorrect: He is the sexest man.
✅ Correct: He is the sexiest man.
Mistake 5: Treating “Cache Sexe” as a Common English Word
❌ Incorrect: Buy a cache sexe at any store. (This sounds odd in English.)
✅ Better: Buy a G string at any store.
Use the French term only when it fits the style of your writing.
Similar and Confusing Words
| Word | Meaning | Difference From Sexe |
| sexe | French for sex | French noun |
| sex | English word | English noun and verb |
| sexy | attractive | Adjective |
| sexto | sixth, in some languages | Number word, not related in meaning |
| six | the number 6 | English number |
| sexennial | every six years | Time word, based on Latin “six” |
The “sex” in “sexennial” is not the same “sex” as in “male and female.” It comes from the Latin word for six.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sexe mean?
“Sexe” is French for “sex.” It means the male or female category. It can also mean the genitals or, informally, sexual activity.
Is sexe an English word?
No. The English word is “sex.” You may see “sexe” in French phrases or by spelling mistake.
What does cache sexe mean in English?
It means a tiny garment that covers the genitals. The usual English terms are G string, thong, or loincloth.
What does après le sexe mean?
It means “after sex” in French.
Is sexe masculine or feminine in French?
It is masculine. You say “le sexe,” never “la sexe.”
How do you pronounce sexe?
Say it as /sɛks/. It sounds almost like the English word “sex.” The final “e” is silent.
What is the plural of sexe?
The plural is “sexes.” The same spelling is used in English for the plural of “sex.”
What does “sexed up” mean?
It means made more exciting, or made to look more dramatic than the facts support. It is informal.
What does sexennial mean?
It means lasting six years or happening every six years. It comes from the Latin word for six.
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Sex usually refers to biological traits. Gender usually refers to social roles and identity. Some forms and sources use them in overlapping ways.
Conclusion
“Sexe” is a French noun that means “sex,” in the sense of male or female. It can also refer to the genitals, and in casual speech it can mean sexual activity. English does not use “sexe” as its own word, but it appears in borrowed terms such as “cache sexe,” which means a small genital covering like a G string or loincloth.
The best way to use this knowledge is to check the language and context first. Use “sex” in English, “le sexe” in French, and “sexy” or “sexiest” for the adjectives. If you see the sexe meaning in a French phrase, translate the whole phrase, not just the single word.
Hira Shah is a passionate writer and the author behind Meanz Corner. With 4 years of experience in researching words, meanings, slang, phrases, and names, she creates simple and helpful content for readers. Her goal is to make complex meanings easier to understand through clear, accurate, and reader-friendly explanations.
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