sexual orientation

American  

[sek-shoo-uhl awr-ee-uhn-tey-shuhn, ‐en‐] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl ˌɔr i ənˈteɪ ʃən, ‐ɛn‐ /

noun

1. one's inherent attraction to a sexual partner of a certain gender, or the absence of gender preference in a sexual relationship; one’s identity as asexual, bisexual, heterosexual, gay, pansexual, etc.

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sexual orientation Cultural  

1. Preference for sexual activity with people of the opposite sex, the same sex, or both. (See bisexuality, heterosexuality, and homosexuality.)

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Etymology

Origin of sexual orientation

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

They will cover such issues as whether children should be introduced to topics of sexual orientation in schools, and whether gender reassignment should be promoted or depicted to children.

From Seattle Times

Some also see the Convention as promoting homosexuality through its principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.

From Reuters

People would rather say they didn’t get the job because of the color of their skin, their gender or their sexual orientation than hear that they have a glaring flaw in their abilities.

From Fox News

“All agree on the need to make sure that no one in the entertainment industry — regardless of sex, race, religion, disability, ethnicity, background, gender or sexual orientation — faces discrimination, harassment or prejudice of any kind.”

From Los Angeles Times

Those involving sexual orientation fell from 233 to 205.

From Seattle Times