bottom.
In a sexual-role sense, a person taking or preferring the receptive role; elsewhere, the lowest part or position of something.
What does bottom mean?
In the sexual-role sense, a bottom is a person who takes or prefers the receptive role during intercourse. The word can also function as a verb. In some contexts it extends to submission, but the role distinctions should not be collapsed automatically.
The term does not define gender, personality or everyday assertiveness. Bottom also has ordinary spatial, ranking and clothing meanings. A reference to the bottom of a list or a pair of tracksuit bottoms does not need an adult interpretation.
See how it lands.
Original examples written for this entry, not quotations from the sources.
She explained that bottom was a role label in that discussion.
My name is at the bottom of the list.
The right word.
The right moment.
Use the intended role meaning in an established adult context. Keep the person’s actual self-description separate from a joke or an imposed stereotype.
Avoid using the label to infer somebody’s gender, worth or agreement. Do not treat a nonsexual reference to position or clothing as a disclosure.
Not quite the same as…
top
Top and bottom distinguish insertive and receptive roles in these senses. They do not supply a complete account of dominance, identity or personality.
A little backstory.
The linked reference documents this meaning. This entry does not establish a single inventor or a first-use date; a dictionary record and a current popularity measurement answer different questions.
Supported by Wiktionary contributors
Still wondering?
Does bottom always mean submissive?
No. A receptive role and submission are distinct ideas, even though a speaker can use overlapping language. Clarify the intended context.
Can bottom be a verb?
Yes, the adult role sense has a verb use. The sentence still needs context; ordinary spatial and clothing meanings remain separate.
Sources & checks
Meaning and factual notes are informed by the references below. Examples and usage advice are original editorial writing. A source documents use; it does not measure current popularity.
- bottom — meaning and usage ↗Wiktionary contributors · checked 20 Oct 2026Supports: meaning; distinct senses