homosexuality

American  

[hoh-muh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee, -seks-yoo-] / ˌhoʊ məˌsɛk ʃuˈæl ɪ ti, -ˌsɛks yu- /

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.

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homosexuality British  

/ ˌhɒm-, ˌhəʊməʊˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

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

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homosexuality Cultural  

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

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Usage

Is “homosexuality” offensive? See homosexual.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antihomosexuality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of homosexuality

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

Example Sentences

Likewise, at a time when homosexuality was charged as a crime and classified as a mental illness, plenty of men who loved men married women, and plenty of women who loved women married men.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Later, the women share memories on the 1960s sociopolitical issues of birth control, homosexuality and the Vietnam War.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Dandyism’s persistent associations with criminality, effeminacy and homosexuality would achieve notoriety in Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

And then you hear about parents who are totally fine with homosexuality, but can't handle it when their own kid comes out.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli