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

Other research confirms that “male sexual orientation is expressed on a continuum rather than dichotomously,” as one 2020 study put it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 14, 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

Almost 30 states have curbed or outlawed “therapy” that seeks to change minors’ sexual orientation or gender identity—that is, to make them stop being gay, bisexual, or transgender.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

She said she does not seek to “cure” clients of same-sex attractions or to “change” their sexual orientation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 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