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.
The actor had faced pressure from within the industry, as well as from her family and her faith, to tamp down their sexuality. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 7 July 2025 This panel presented by SisterSong Reproductive Justice Collective, brings culture-shifters, policymakers, and storytellers together to explore how Reproductive Justice sits at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, policy, and pop culture. Essence, 6 July 2025 Other members of the Murtaugh family included dad Jimmy Murtaugh, played by Levy, 78, plus Carmen Electra, Shawn Roberts, Jaime King and Robbie Amell, among others Stoner opened up about their sexuality in a candid first-person essay published in Teen Vogue in 2018. Nicholas Rice, People.com, 6 July 2025 Her work shifted to a focus on the dynamics of couples and their sexuality. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 11 Jul. 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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