heterosexuality

[ het-er-uh-sek-shoo-al-i-teeor, especially British, -seks-yoo- ]

noun

1. sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of the other binary gender.
2. the state of being sexually attracted only to the other binary gender.

heterosexuality

1. Sexual attraction between a male and a female. ( Compare bisexuality and homosexuality .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterosexuality¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + sexuality

Example Sentences

In that movement, some Korean women are declaring they will "boycott" what they see as the four pillars of heterosexuality: dating, marriage, sex and childbirth.

From Salon

He likes what he likes, and if you think his taste is weird, he finds conventional heterosexuality to be even weirder.

From Los Angeles Times

The T&A framework for Christian right content may be new, but the message is very old: compulsory heterosexuality and male dominance.

From Salon

In the three decades since Martin's study, Almeling said, scholars and advocates have increasingly challenged the presumption of heterosexuality and the categorization of bodies as either male or female.

From Science Daily

The legislation would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging youths in the scientifically discredited practice of trying to convert people who are LGBTQ+ to heterosexuality and traditional gender expectations.

From Seattle Times