sexuality

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

noun

1. sexual character; possession of the structural and functional traits of sex.
2. recognition of or emphasis upon sexual matters.
3. involvement in sexual activity.
4. an organism's preparedness for engaging in sexual activity.

Other Words From

• anti·sexu·ali·ty noun adjective
• super·sexu·ali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexuality¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; sexual + -ity

Example Sentences

After confirming his sexuality, Khalid wrote, “the world still continues to turn.”

From Los Angeles Times

The characters’ open misogyny and the author’s fixation with class and tradition jarred liberal readers when the book was translated into English in 1968; others didn’t care for Mishima’s typically frank treatment of sexuality.

From New York Times

Most were books dealing with gender, sexuality, race and LGBTQ+ storylines.

From Los Angeles Times

Rejecting the trend for whispery bedroom pop, her songs are full of cheerleader chants and exuberant hooks that document her coming of age and the discovery of her sexuality.

From BBC

During the three-month trial, both sides portrayed 26-year-old Samuel Woodward as a young man who struggled with his sexuality growing up in a conservative Newport Beach family, with a particularly disapproving father.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• desire
• lust
• passion
• sensuality