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

The bill was also amended to require permission forms for parents to authorize education on human sexuality, Indiana Capital Chronicle reported. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

More: Are cute children's books teaching kids about gender and sexuality? —Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

Teachers are instructed not to advance a particular viewpoint about sexuality or gender with respect to the characters. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum is known for its edgy exhibitions, like a recent one that examined sexuality in Lithuania during Soviet days. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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