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

I was told that God hated me, and despite trying very hard to change my sexual orientation, I found that I could not.

From The Daily Beast

“Mainstream feminism is riddled with classism, racism, and sexual orientation discrimination,” she wrote.

From The Daily Beast

Edwards crudely framed the state of play in the South as a matter of race, sexual orientation, and class; in other words, culture.

From The Daily Beast

Granted, our relationships may have moral issues, but sexual orientation is not one of them.

From The Daily Beast

The only way to get better at asking about sexual orientation is to make a point of doing so.

From The Daily Beast