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

Unhumans uses the term communists interchangeably with progressives and Cultural Marxists (the modern right’s term for anyone who believes in left-of-center ideas about race, gender, and sexuality). —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026

So many strategies for reproduction and sexuality and gender roles in a species. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

Majeed voted with Republicans to override Stein’s veto of a controversial bill about sexuality, religion in schools and school libraries. —Mary Ramsey updated March 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026

Race and sexuality intertwine throughout the season at an escalating pace. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sexuality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

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