sexual orientation

American  

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

noun

sexual orientations plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sexual orientations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sexual orientation

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Clayton County, which held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2026

There were three routes to asylum for someone in his situation: as someone who faced persecution for their sexual orientation, their religious beliefs or their political views.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

They didn’t track representation based on gender, sexual orientation or Asian origin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Department of Housing and Urban Development has for years interpreted the law as banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

No matter what race we are, what ethnic background, sexual orientation, or what views we may have, we are all human.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers