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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mary is haunted by a threatening male presence, who becomes the embodiment of the heteronormative society working to control her. Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025 Nandini Bapat Cuming Out – LA Premiere Kennedy’s desire for a heteronormative experience sees her embark on a one-night-stand. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025 In 2025, who still believes in exclusive, heteronormative relationships—with so much left to explore? Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Although Daedone had dated women in the past, OneTaste was more heteronormative than not. Thessaly La Force, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heteronormative

Word History

Etymology

hetero- + normative

Note: The word was popularized, if not introduced, by the American critic and scholar Michael Warner (born 1958) in "Introduction: Fear of a Queer Planet," Social Text, no. 29 (1991), pp. 3-15.

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heteronormative was in 1991

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Cite this Entry

“Heteronormative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heteronormative. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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