Sapphist
/ˈsæfɪst/noun
A woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to other women.
Did you know?The term comes from Sappho of Lesbos, whose surviving poetry includes passionate addresses to women, while the modern sexual sense developed centuries after her death.
Etymological Timeline
7th–6th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Σαπφώ (Sapphō)
“The personal name of Sappho, the celebrated lyric poet from Lesbos; the name’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Sappho
“The Latin form of the poet’s name, used in discussions of her poetry and reputation.”
16th–18th Centuries
European learned usage
Sapphic
“A term referring to Sappho, her verse forms, or poetic themes associated with her.”
19th Century
French
sapphiste
“A noun formed from Sappho’s name with the agent-forming suffix -iste, referring to a woman attracted to women.”
1890s
English
sapphist
“An English borrowing or formation meaning a lesbian, modeled on Sappho’s name.”
Modern English
English
Sapphist
“A historical or literary term for a woman who is sexually or romantically attracted to women.”