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

If in previous seasons, Euphoria foregrounded erotic imagery to make a point about the confusing and often painful process of coming to terms with one’s sexuality, now that poignancy is gone. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026

Blake’s sexuality has not been established yet though he was seen at the wedding reception trying to hit on a bridesmaid before taking to the dance floor with Amira. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026

The character — best friend to Maddy (Alexa Demie) and Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) — initially stood out for her arc around body confidence and sexuality, but was increasingly pushed to the margins as the season progressed. —Kennedy French, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026

Dunham believes that, paired with the intense female sexuality on the show, led to unhappy viewers. —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 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