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

Looking back over the 200+ episodes, the show covered such controversial topics as homosexuality, racism, the Vietnam War, labor unions and infidelity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Although Britain began decriminalising homosexuality for men in 1967, a ban on gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people serving in the military lasted until 2000.

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

He was also gay at a time when homosexuality was criminalized in Britain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

The truth is that doctors deemed homosexuality a “disorder” because of unreasoned stigma, not scientific reality—which is one reason why this diagnosis collapsed when seriously challenged.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

While I don’t suppose that anyone who has devoted much energy to the study of Classics can be very much disturbed by homosexuality, neither am I particularly comfortable with it as it concerns me directly.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt