heterosexual

American  

[het-er-uh-sek-shoo-uhl, -seks-yoo-] / ˌhɛt ər əˈsɛk ʃu əl, -ˈsɛks ju- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or exhibiting heterosexuality, sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of the other binary gender.

2. Biology. of or relating to different sexes.

   heterosexual fraternal twins.

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noun

heterosexuals plural

1. a person who is sexually or romantically attracted primarily to people of the other binary gender.

heterosexual British  

/ ˌhɛtərəʊˈsɛksjʊəl /

noun

1. a person who is sexually attracted to the opposite sex

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adjective

1. of or relating to heterosexuality

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• heterosexuals
  plural

Etymology

Origin of heterosexual

First recorded in 1890–95; hetero- + sexual

Explanation

A heterosexual person is attracted to people of the opposite sex. Boys who like girls and women who like men are heterosexual. Being heterosexual has long been considered "normal" in our society. When you think of a married couple or parents, it's usually been a man and woman — in other words, a heterosexual couple. However, being heterosexual is only one sexual orientation. Other people are gay, or homosexual. Our culture is slowly starting to accept that heterosexuality isn't the only acceptable sexual orientation. Another word for heterosexual is straight.

Example Sentences

Heterosexual is a sexual orientation defined as being attracted to a different gender than your own.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Heterosexual couples, on the other hand, can adopt and resort to artificial insemination.

From Reuters • Apr. 6, 2023

Heterosexual couples in the U.S. are now more likely to meet a romantic partner online than via any other mode of connection.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2022

Heterosexual couples have to try to conceive for two years before becoming eligible for NHS-funded treatment.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2021

Heterosexual marriage isn’t the driving force for new lipstick purchases that it once was.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2018