sexuality

noun

sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce sexuality (audio)
: the quality or state of being sexual:
a
: the condition of having sex
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive

Examples of sexuality in a Sentence

She is comfortable with her sexuality. a study of male sexuality
Recent Examples on the Web The musical retains that late 19th-century German setting, but the story's themes of adolescent sexuality, parental oppression and miscommunication still resonate. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2024 Friends say the man who fatally shot John Walter Lay harassed him because of his sexuality, but no charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing, according to authorities The West Dog Park in Tampa, Fla., was John Walter Lay’s home away from home. Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Can legislators of different parties find agreement and pass bipartisan legislation on major social issues such as crime, gun violence, health care, education and sexuality and gender topics? Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 This isn't just with their LGBTQ identities but across the intersecting nature of gender, race, age and sexuality. Jamie Wareham, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The term is used by some Indigenous people to mean having the spirit of both a man and a woman, and can be used as an umbrella term to describe someone’s gender identity and their sexuality. Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 In 2023, at least 510 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the US, many limiting access to healthcare and restricting what can be taught about sexuality and gender in classrooms. Chandelis Duster, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 One afternoon my sister and I saw a retrospective for Sarah Lucas, the contemporary British artist renowned for her commentaries on gender, death, and sexuality. Hazlitt, 14 Feb. 2024 Those divides were especially predictive of opinions on sexuality and gender identity, the study found. USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sexuality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sexuality was in 1797

Dictionary Entries Near sexuality

Cite this Entry

“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
: the quality or state of being sexual:
a
: the condition of having sex
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest especially when excessive
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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