heterosexual

1 of 2

adjective

het·​ero·​sex·​u·​al ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsek-sh(ə-)wəl How to pronounce heterosexual (audio)
-ˈsek-shəl
1
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to or between people of the opposite sex
heterosexual men/women
a heterosexual couple
b
: of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between individuals of the opposite sex
2
: of or relating to different sexes
heterosexually adverb

heterosexual

2 of 2

noun

plural heterosexuals
: a person who is sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex : a heterosexual person

Examples of heterosexual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
While heterosexual couples in the UK and elsewhere have used it for years, experts have noticed more long-term heterosexual couples in the US adopting the gender-neutral term as well. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024 Media reports suggest the vast majority of them have been heterosexual couples who cannot have children themselves. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Try it for the next year or so: Stop being a heterosexual to demonstrate to your son that a person’s sexuality is a matter of choice – to be dictated by one’s parents, the parents’ church and social pressure. Amy Dickinson, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2024 The woke, progressive, intersectional, diversity, equity and inclusion mindset is a path to disaster for our nation, and especially for Jews, Asians and white male heterosexuals who are excluded from their zero-sum game. Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heterosexual 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterosexual was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near heterosexual

Cite this Entry

“Heterosexual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterosexual. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

heterosexual

1 of 2 adjective
het·​ero·​sex·​u·​al ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce heterosexual (audio)
-ˈsek-shəl
: of, relating to, or marked by sexual or romantic attraction to people of the opposite sex
heterosexuality noun

heterosexual

2 of 2 noun
: a heterosexual individual

Medical Definition

heterosexual

1 of 2 adjective
het·​ero·​sex·​u·​al ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈseksh-(ə-)wəl, -ˈsek-shəl How to pronounce heterosexual (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to or between individuals of the opposite sex
b
: of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between individuals of the opposite sex
sexual relationships between individuals of opposite sexes are heterosexualA. C. Kinsey
2
: of or relating to different sexes

heterosexual

2 of 2 noun
: a person who is sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex : a heterosexual individual

More from Merriam-Webster on heterosexual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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