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

Alanis Morissette has publicly come out as pansexual, years after previously talking about exploring her sexuality and her experiences with women. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

This was a great learning opportunity for Andy Cohen, who needed the tea on Roosevelt’s sexuality. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

The show is not only filled with trauma, but deep joy, especially in showing the friendship between Leo and George, Clive’s teenage son, who is grappling with his own secret about his sexuality. — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026

While at the establishment, the report said Gonzalez engaged an assistant waiter in an argument, questioning the worker about his sexuality. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 3 Nov. 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