to be a gay, lesbian, bi or queer person who hides their true sexual orientation from the public and those around them. often for fear of persecution, rejection, others' reactions, but not always for negative reasons. some would just as soon not come out or see no reason to.
jerry's gay, but he stays closeted to avoid losing his teaching job.
by dagger_grrl October 12, 2003
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A repressed homosexual or bi-sexual who may or may not 'come out of the closet' and disclose their sexuality. They may be 'outed' against their will.

Also refers to a homosexual or bi-sexual who is experiencing self denial.

"he is so closeted that he thinks he is in Narnia"
by LizzieHHH December 22, 2007
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(adj) Describing an aspect that one keeps rather private or completely secret, usually due to fear of social rejection. Commonly used in reference to homosexuality, but not exclusively.
"Yep, my brother has his guilty pleasures when it comes to music. He's closet hair metal fan, believe it or not."
by Bill M. September 21, 2004
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Someone who has a different orientation or gender identity than typical and has not yet shared with the rest of the world
Jack was in the closet about being bisexual.
by Lexus14blacklist October 11, 2015
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