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.
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 No one can come away rooting for Sophie to wind up back at home with her peaceful heteronormative life. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025 Because the world assumes that all people are heteronormative and cisgenger, kids can often be on the back foot when talking about their relationships and identity. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 18 June 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 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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