homosexuality

[ hoh-muh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee, or, especially British, -seks-yoo- ]

noun

, Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

1. sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of one's own sex or gender.
2. the state of being sexually attracted only to people of one's own sex or gender.

homosexuality

/ ˌhɒm-; ˌhəʊməʊˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. sexual attraction to or sexual relations with members of the same sex Compare heterosexuality

homosexuality

1. A sexual attraction between persons of the same sex. ( See gay and lesbian ; compare heterosexuality .)

Usage Note

Is “homosexuality” offensive? See homosexual.

Other Words From

• an·ti·ho·mo·sex·u·al·i·ty noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of homosexuality¹

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

Example Sentences

Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, while Amnesty International has cited the country's "jailing of women's rights activists, suppression of free speech and rampant use of the death penalty".

From BBC

Jehovah's Witnesses reject homosexuality and Evans - the Welsh actor whose films include Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit, and Fast & Furious 6 - understood he would be expelled from the community if he came out, with implications for his family too.

From BBC

He was part of landmark rulings that decriminalised homosexuality and allowed menstruating women into Kerala’s Sabarimala shrine.

From BBC

In some cases, if a commander suspected homosexuality but lacked proof, the servicemembers got administratively or punitively discharged preemptively.

From Los Angeles Times

Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, while Amnesty International has cited the country’s "jailing of women's rights activists, suppression of free speech and rampant use of the death penalty".

From BBC