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

Nicki has a distinctive flow, an almost arresting look that made the fashion and beauty industries take note and the Trinidadian rapper put her own spin on women’s sexuality and empowerment. —Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026

This month’s most important astrology features an eclipse on February 17 that launches you into a new storyline around romance and sexuality, and that eclipse is tied in with Saturn and Neptune conjoining in your 7th house of partnerships on February 20. —Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026

Thompson talked to Bustle about the character exploring his sexuality in season three. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 Jan. 2026

Eventually, other prominent skaters came forward, some of whom had never publicly acknowledged their sexuality. —Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexuality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

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