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

According to allegations in interviews, lawsuits and regulatory actions, BaronHR also created a permissive environment for discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and pregnancy.

From New York Times

The jury convicted him of a hate-crime enhancement, which applied to the victim’s sexual orientation.

From Los Angeles Times

If blond-haired drivers and female racers didn’t have to hide who they were, why should Shumake, who has been open about his sexual orientation since high school?

From Los Angeles Times

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