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

How to use homosexuality in a sentence

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.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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