heteronormative

adjective

het·​ero·​nor·​ma·​tive ˌhē-tə-rō-ˈnȯr-mə-tiv How to pronounce heteronormative (audio)
: of, relating to, or based on the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality

Examples of heteronormative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That might not be entirely (or even mostly) due to biology: Researchers are now theorizing that heteronormative gender inequities are contributing factors to low libido in women. Varuna Srinivasan, Allure, 15 Mar. 2024 This man who seems like the ultimate heteronormative prize. Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2024 His secret was first met with praise, sparking conversations about the need to modernize heteronormative standards in reality TV and in sports. Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 3 Oct. 2023 The Mexican trinity became a national symbol, fueling heteronormative roles. Sarah Quiñones Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2023 During the post-slavery era, Black families were founded upon heteronormative, patriarchal structures, Stewart said. Claretta Bellamy, NBC News, 18 Sep. 2023 My daughter wondered why the movie’s relationships remained so stringently cisgendered and heteronormative. Madeleine Deliee, Parents, 1 Aug. 2023 Today’s wellness brands and offerings are building for physical, mental and spiritual health through a heteronormative lens. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 28 June 2023 The network also wanted to honor someone who championed underrepresented voices, Fram said, and pointed to Nettles’s outspoken support of artists of color and the LGBTQ community in the majority-White, heteronormative genre. Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heteronormative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heteronormative was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near heteronormative

Cite this Entry

“Heteronormative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heteronormative. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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