homosexuality

[ hoh-muh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee, or, esp. British, -seks-yoo- ]

/ ˌhoʊ məˌsɛk ʃuˈæl ɪ ti, or, esp. British, -ˌsɛks yu- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR homosexuality ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

sexual desire or behavior directed toward a person or persons of one's own sex.

Nearby words

homorganic, homoromantic, homoscedastic, homoserine, homosexual, homosexuality, homosocial, homosporous, homospory, homostyled, homotaxis

Origin of homosexuality

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

Related forms

an·ti·ho·mo·sex·u·al·i·ty, noun, adjective

Usage note

See homosexual.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for homosexuality

“Homosexuality” was as much an act as an identity—as it still is today in some quarters of the Christian Right.
Ten Reasons Women Are Losing While Gays Keep Winning|Jay Michaelson|July 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In October, it will host a conference in Nashville on “The Gospel, Homosexuality and the Future of Marriage.”
Southern Baptists Take Baby Steps Away from the Culture Wars|Ruth Graham|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Homosexuality is present in all cultures, and has been present in all cultures throughout recorded human history.
The Curious Case of Countries Where Being Gay Is a Crime|James Kirchick|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Homosexuality is just as dangerous as cigarettes, so why not try to end it—with a tobacco company-style lawsuit?
Fringe Factor: End Homosexuality With a Class Action Lawsuit|Caitlin Dickson|October 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Homosexuality must be curable, it argues, since the Torah would not forbid something which is impossible to avoid.
Gay Orthodox Jews Sue Over Therapy That Claims to ‘Cure’ Them|Zoë Blackler|November 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Homosexuality of all kinds flourished, it will be seen, notwithstanding the fearless yet fair application of a very severe law.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis
Homosexuality, in Greek life, 85;practice of Rosicrucians, 84.
The Sex Worship and Symbolism of Primitive Races|Sanger Brown, II
Homosexuality was, of course, known before they came, but they made it honorable.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis
Homosexuality in English schools has already been briefly referred to in chapter iii.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis
Homosexuality is a romantic cult rather than a physical vice.
An Outline of Sexual Morality|Kenneth Ingram

British Dictionary definitions for homosexuality

homosexuality

/ (ˌhəʊməʊˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ, ˌhɒm-) /

noun

sexual attraction to or sexual relations with members of the same sexCompare heterosexuality

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for homosexuality

homosexuality

[ hō′mə-sĕk′shōō-ăl′ĭ-tē, -mō- ]

n.

Sexual orientation to persons of the same sex.

Sexual activity with another of the same sex.

Culture definitions for homosexuality

homosexuality

A sexual attraction between persons of the same sex. (See gay and lesbian; compare heterosexuality.)