sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
Synonyms of sexualitynext
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.
Ever since 2023, there’s been a deeper need to focus upon trust, intimacy, sexuality and vulnerability, Cancer. Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025 But after being on TV for more than a decade, the Million Dollar Listing New York and Owning Manhattan star’s sexuality has been heavily speculated. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2025 The report concluded that the absence of women over 50 in Hollywood, especially as romantic leads, likely reinforces negative stereotypes about women, aging and sexuality. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Dec. 2025 Lots of observations about sexuality, war, race and economic class. Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 4 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 14 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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