sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
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
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.
Should parents have the ability to prohibit their child from viewing content related to sexuality or gender identity at school? Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025 When your sexuality is against the law, there are these kinds of relationships. Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 Boots is critical of the military’s 1990s-era anti-gay policies — under which gay military members had to conceal their sexuality or risk being criminally charged — and depicts the hardcore culture of the Marines as rather toxic. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 The questions about his character's sexuality became more frequent as fans suspected that Schnapp's character Will had feelings for his friend, Mike (Wolfhard). Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sexuality

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexuality was in 1797

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Cite this Entry

“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sexuality

noun
sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
: the quality or state of being sexual

Medical Definition

sexuality

noun
sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sexuality

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