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

In fact, Crawford said, her organization has represented several asylum cases for LGBTQ Cameroonian nationals claiming persecution due to their sexuality. — Mick Krever, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

The songs were a dangerous dance with gender, sexuality, and race. — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Some races feature candidates who have become regular speakers during public comment at board meetings to criticize district policies on gender and sexuality. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Images connecting childhood and sexuality are a part of pop culture and even mainstream pornography. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexuality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

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