The word lesbian can mean a woman's identity, experience or activity between women.

Lesbian (lɛzbiːən) is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females."Lesbian", Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition, 1989. Retrieved on January 7, 2009. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an adjective, to describe characteristics of an object or activity related to female same-sex desire.

Lesbian as a concept, used to differentiate women with a shared sexual orientation, is a 20th century construct. Although female homosexuality has appeared in many cultures throughout time, not until recently has lesbian described a group of people. In the late 19th century, sexologists published their observations on same-sex desire and behavior, and designated lesbians in Western culture as a distinct entity. As a result, women who became aware of their new medical status formed underground subcultures in Europe and North America. Further broadening of the term occurred in the 1970s, influenced by second wave feminism. Historians since have re-examined relationships between women in history, and have questioned what qualifies a woman or a relationship as lesbian.

The different ways lesbians have been portrayed in the media suggests that Western society at large has been simultaneously intrigued and threatened by women who challenge feminine gender roles, and fascinated and appalled with women who are romantically involved with other women. Further discourse on women's sexuality affects how lesbians are viewed by others as well as how they view themselves; some women who engage in homosexual behavior may not identify themselves as lesbian or bisexual. Women who label themselves as lesbians, however, share an identity similar to ethnicity. As homosexuals, they are unified by the discrimination and potential rejection they face from their families, friends, and other people. As women, they face concerns separate from men. Lesbians manage issues with forming relationships and families that continue to be shaped by political challenges.

Origin and transformation of the term

thumb|200 px|Sappho of Lesbos, depicted in an 1904 painting by John William Godward gave the term Lesbian the connotation of erotic desire between women.

The word "lesbian" is derived from the Greek island of Lesbos, home to the 6th century BCE poet Sappho. From various ancient writings, historians have gathered that a group of young women were left in Sappho's charge for their instruction or cultural edification. Not much of Sappho's poetry remains, but that which does demonstrates the topics she wrote about: women's daily lives, their relationships, and rituals. She focused on the beauty of women and proclaimed her love for girls. Before the late 19th century, the word "Lesbian" referred to any derivative or aspect of Lesbos, including a type of wine.An attempt by natives of the island of Lesbos (called Mytilene in Greece) in 2008 to reclaim the word to refer only to people from Lesbos was unsuccessful in a Greek court. Inhabitants of Lesbos claimed the use of "lesbian" to refer to female homosexuality violated their human rights and "disgrace1 them around the world". (Lesbos locals lose lesbian appeal, BBC News Europe 22, 2008. Retrieved on February 3, 2009.)