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

• antihomosexuality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of homosexuality

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

Example Sentences

Homosexuality was decriminalised in China in 1997, though same-sex marriages remain unrecognised.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Homosexuality was illegal in Britain in 1959 when the story was published.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Homosexuality isn’t quite as dangerous in 1964 Dublin, when the musical is set.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Belarus in 1994, but the LGBTQ+ community faces heavy stigma and high suicide rates, advocates say.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2024

Homosexuality appears to be specially common among birds.

From Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 Sexual Inversion by Ellis, Havelock