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
Her beauty and sexuality are actually lethal to the men around her, and Marilyn’s character knows it.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 29 May 2026
The after-hours party opens the entire museum up for dancehall workshops with Latonya Style, a dance floor headlined by Chicago’s DJ Miriam and a performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, whose oeuvre explores sexuality, self-determination and colonial legacies.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Niall doesn’t come to terms with his sexuality as a gay man until the end of the series.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026
Literary criticism is lousy with interpretations of the significance of sexuality in this story, and for that matter, the significance of sexuality in James’ own life.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
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Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 29 May 2026
The after-hours party opens the entire museum up for dancehall workshops with Latonya Style, a dance floor headlined by Chicago’s DJ Miriam and a performance by Awilda Rodríguez Lora, whose oeuvre explores sexuality, self-determination and colonial legacies.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Niall doesn’t come to terms with his sexuality as a gay man until the end of the series.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026
Literary criticism is lousy with interpretations of the significance of sexuality in this story, and for that matter, the significance of sexuality in James’ own life.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
Cite this Entry
“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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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