sexual orientation

[ sek-shoo-uhl awr-ee-uhn-tey-shuhn, ‐en‐ ]

noun

1. one's inherent attraction to a sexual partner of a certain gender, or the absence of gender preference in a sexual relationship; one’s identity as asexual, bisexual, heterosexual, gay, pansexual, etc.

sexual orientation

1. Preference for sexual activity with people of the opposite sex, the same sex, or both. ( See bisexuality , heterosexuality , and homosexuality .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual orientation¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

A few years later, she created her own social media channel, where she shares with the more than 8,500 followers her own difficult process of accepting her daughter’s sexual orientation.

From Los Angeles Times

“Americans want to wake up in a normal country again,” Roberts began, likely euphemistically referring to Project 2025’s plan to all but erase federal protections and anti-discrimination measures based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

From Salon

The company, however, continues to face criticism about its privacy practices: earlier this year, it was sued by hundreds of users in the United Kingdom for allegedly sharing personal information — including HIV status and test dates, ethnicity and sexual orientation — with advertising companies without users’ consent.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither does the Pentagon’s estimate count veterans separated because of their sexual orientation before 1994, when automatic discharge was the formal policy.

From Los Angeles Times

This universal boyfriend really just means being the guy – or playing one such guy – who charms all people, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

From Salon