heterosexuality

American  

[het-er-uh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee, -seks-yoo-] / ˌhɛt ər əˌsɛk ʃuˈæl ɪ ti, -ˌsɛks ju- /

noun

1. sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of the other binary gender.

2. the state of being sexually attracted only to the other binary gender.

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heterosexuality British  

/ ˌhɛtərəʊˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. sexual attraction to or sexual relations with a person or persons of the opposite sex Compare homosexuality

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heterosexuality Cultural  

1. Sexual attraction between a male and a female. (Compare bisexuality and homosexuality.)

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Etymology

Origin of heterosexuality

First recorded in 1895–1900; hetero- + sexuality

Example Sentences

These days, the prevailing style of curmudgeonry is either nakedly bigoted or, like this one, an extended straw-man argument recast as a bold, brand-new revelation: Heterosexuality is good?

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Heterosexuality is, after all, a union of genders.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2023

It is unsurprising that the strongest chapter of Laura Kipnis’ new book, “Love in the Time of Contagion,” is “Vile Bodies: Heterosexuality and Its Discontents.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2022

Heterosexuality is far too interesting a phenomenon to be ignored - and it would cut me off plays like Macbeth, Richard III and King Lear.”

From The Guardian • Nov. 21, 2015

In her zig-zagging and lively narrative, Straight: The Surprisingly Short History of Heterosexuality, Hanne Blank explores the vague boundaries between gayness and straightness in defining one’s sexuality.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2012