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
Eliza Berman2
: 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
Courtney CiandellaExamples of sexuality in a Sentence
She is comfortable with her sexuality.
a study of male sexuality
Recent Examples on the Web
This can certainly bring more passion, sexuality and intimacy to couples—but also could attract a karmic partner to singles.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
Bailey, who is openly gay, has long been candid about his experiences navigating both his rising fame and his sexuality in the entertainment industry.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
And though Perfidia may not be defined by her sexuality, she is certainly animated by it, and its relationship to power.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
Stranger Things, however, was life-changing for Schnapp on both professional and personal levels, as Will's struggles with his sexuality helped Schnapp come to terms with his own.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
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Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
Bailey, who is openly gay, has long been candid about his experiences navigating both his rising fame and his sexuality in the entertainment industry.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
And though Perfidia may not be defined by her sexuality, she is certainly animated by it, and its relationship to power.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025
Stranger Things, however, was life-changing for Schnapp on both professional and personal levels, as Will's struggles with his sexuality helped Schnapp come to terms with his own.
—Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
Cite this Entry
“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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