sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
: the quality or state of being sexual:
a
: the condition of having sex
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive

Examples of sexuality in a Sentence

She is comfortable with her sexuality. a study of male sexuality
Recent Examples on the Web Contains strong language, some sexuality, drug use and brief bloody images. Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023 Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith laughed off a recent rumor about his sexuality. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 Neither my career, nor my sexuality, are alternative. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 People on the gender and sexuality spectrum aren’t going away. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2023 Still, his Republican primary challenger two years later suggested at one point that Mr. Elliot had misled voters about his sexuality and was morally out of step with the district. Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2023 Billie Eilish discussed the intense body scrutiny women endure, especially compared to men, and opened up about her sexuality and experience with womanhood in a new interview with Variety. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2023 This is more intense for women whose race, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, documentation status, and so on differs from their doctor’s. Emily Mendenhall, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023 Contains strong language, some drug use and brief sexuality. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sexuality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexuality was in 1797

Dictionary Entries Near sexuality

Cite this Entry

“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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
: the quality or state of being sexual:
a
: the condition of having sex
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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