What does neuter mean?
Neuter is chiefly a grammatical term for the gender category traditionally contrasted with masculine and feminine. A neuter noun, pronoun, or other form belongs to that category, and the word does not ordinarily suggest that the thing described lacks biological sex. In broader use, neuter can describe something that is neither male nor female, impartial, or unproductive. As a verb, to neuter an animal means to make it infertile, usually by removing the reproductive organs; to neuter an argument, proposal, or rival means to deprive it of force, power, or effectiveness. The word comes from Latin neuter, neutrum, meaning “neither,” originally associated with what is neither male nor female. Because it links grammar with the older idea of a third or intermediate category, neuter remains useful in describing both formal systems and situations in which something is deliberately deprived of influence.
Of or relating to the grammatical gender opposed to masculine and feminine; also, neither male nor female, or impartial and not taking sides.
"The language has a neuter form for objects whose gender is not marked."
The grammatical sense is standard in linguistics and education; in general use, “gender-neutral” is often clearer when describing language or social usage.
The grammatical gender traditionally distinguished from masculine and feminine, or a person or thing regarded as belonging to neither sex.
"The word table belongs to the neuter in this classification."
As a grammatical category, “neuter” is normally used with terms such as gender, noun, pronoun, and form.
To make an animal infertile, especially by castration, or to make something ineffective, powerless, or uncompetitive.
"The legislation was designed to neuter the proposed merger rather than ban it outright."
The verb can describe both a physical operation on an animal and a metaphorical removal of power or effectiveness.
The plural is used when referring to multiple members of the grammatical category or multiple neuter forms.
"Several neuters in the language use the same ending regardless of meaning."
From the Latin word for “neither,” neuter gave English a name for the grammatical gender that stands apart from masculine and feminine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of neuter
Neuter was borrowed from Latin neuter, neutrum, meaning “neither” and used specifically for a grammatical gender or form that is neither masculine nor feminine. The Latin word is commonly analyzed as ne- “not” and uter “either,” reflecting its sense of “neither.” English later developed the verb sense of making an animal infertile and, by extension, making something ineffective or powerless. The related English words neutral and neutrality come through Latin forms based on the same root, while neither is a cognate expressing the original idea of “not either.”
Related word forms
How neuter is actually used
In grammar, neuter is a technical term and does not necessarily imply anything about biological sex. As a verb, neutering an animal usually means castration, while neutering an argument or proposal means reducing its force or effectiveness. The word can sound more clinical or euphemistic than some alternatives, depending on context.
Easily confused with neuter
Neuter describes a grammatical gender or the act of making something ineffective, whereas neutral means impartial, uncommitted, or not favoring one side.