sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being sexual: such as

a

: sexual reproduction (see reproduction sense 1)

b

: sexual activity

c

: expression of sexual receptivity or interest

High school can be confusing, and grappling with one's burgeoning sexuality, even more so.

—Eliza Berman

2

: a person's sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, straight, gay, pansexual, etc. : sexual orientation

… the TV star told fans that she was "interested in both men and women" after a fan questioned her sexuality.

—Courtney Ciandella

Examples of sexuality in a Sentence

She is comfortable with her sexuality.

a study of male sexuality

Recent Examples on the Web

In a modern twist on a common reality of YA and New Adult genres, some fans’ hyper-interest in the show’s stars led to one lead feeling forced to publicly disclose their sexuality amid calls for authentic casting. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Their friends support them through the challenges of young love, and many make their own self-discoveries about gender and sexuality along the way. — Carrie Grant, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

His vision of transient living, where violence, desolation and sexuality were expressed through an aching slide guitar, offered a counterpoint to the gospel heard throughout southern Baptist churches. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026

Also, the dynamics of race and sexuality underneath who Northwestern and the US House of Representatives committee are punishing are not just about me. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexuality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being sexual

Medical Definition

sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

plural sexualities

1

: the quality or state of being sexual:

a

biology : the condition of having sex (see sex entry 1 sense 1a)

b

: sexual activity

c

: expression of sexual receptivity or interest

2

: a person's sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, heterosexual, gay, etc. : sexual orientation