homosexuality

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

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

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noun Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of one's own sex or gender.

the state of being sexually attracted only to people of one's own sex or gender.

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Origin of homosexuality

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

usage note for homosexuality

Is “homosexuality” offensive? See homosexual.

OTHER WORDS FROM homosexuality

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

Words nearby homosexuality

Homo sapiens, Homo sapiens idaltu, Homo sapiens sapiens, homoscedastic, homosexual, homosexuality, homosocial, homosporous, homospory, homostyled, homotaxis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use homosexuality in a sentence

Carmona said he has learned how to take care of himself, how to be himself, how to enjoy differences and has seen his self-esteem grow to the point that people’s opinions about his homosexuality no longer bother him.
Casa Frida becomes second home for Mexico City’s LGBTQ community|Yariel Valdés González|January 22, 2021|Washington Blade
Church teachings on homosexuality and gender identity remain unchanged.
Top 10 international news stories of 2020|Michael K. Lavers|December 31, 2020|Washington Blade
The decriminalization of homosexuality in Bhutan is a huge achievement.
Bhutan lawmakers vote to decriminalize homosexuality|Michael K. Lavers|December 10, 2020|Washington Blade
Under considerable social pressure, Plomer — who at 22 had begun to realize and accept his homosexuality — jumped on a ship bound for Japan and wound up settling in London, in 1929.
The Mild-Mannered Poet Who Championed James Bond|Fiona Zublin|November 30, 2020|Ozy

Back when homosexuality was considered a disorder, it was blamed on absent fathers.
Why We Judge People Based on Their Relatives - Facts So Romantic|Diana Fleischman|November 11, 2020|Nautilus
“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, in Greek life, 85;practice of Rosicrucians, 84.
The Sex Worship and Symbolism of Primitive Races|Sanger Brown, II
Homosexuality is a romantic cult rather than a physical vice.
An Outline of Sexual Morality|Kenneth Ingram
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 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 English schools has already been briefly referred to in chapter iii.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis

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

Cultural definitions for homosexuality

homosexuality

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

homosexuality

Origin of homosexuality

usage note for homosexuality

OTHER WORDS FROM homosexuality

Words nearby homosexuality

Words related to homosexuality

How to use homosexuality in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for homosexuality

Cultural definitions for homosexuality