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

At one point, Bonnie objects when Calvin compares his situation to that of homosexuality, but the conversation ends there.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

In September last year, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved a bill banning homosexual acts, while its neighbour Mali also adopted legislation criminalising homosexuality in 2024.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Dandyism’s persistent associations with criminality, effeminacy and homosexuality would achieve notoriety in Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 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

The funny part of it is we went to high school together for four years, and yet we never talked about homosexuality.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove