sexual orientation

[ sek-shoo-uhl awr-ee-uhn-tey-shuhn, ‐en‐ ]

/ ˈsɛk ʃu əl ˌɔr i ənˈteɪ ʃən, ‐ɛn‐ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for sexual orientation on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Compare affectional orientation.

Origin of sexual orientation

First recorded in 1990–95

Words nearby sexual orientation

sexualization, sexualize, sexually transmitted disease, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual minority, sexual orientation, sexual predator, sexual relations, sexual reproduction, sexual revolution, sexual role-play

How to use sexual orientation in a sentence

I got nothing but love for everybody, no matter what their sexual orientation is.
Thank you, Kordell Stewart, for thoughtful response to ‘the rumor’|Kevin Naff|February 5, 2021|Washington Blade
We want to help normalize sexuality and sexual orientation and remove labels… We wanted to display sexuality and sexual expression in its simplest form and for that to be beautiful.
Queer horror film chokes on surrealist pretensions in ‘The One You Feed’|John Paul King|January 15, 2021|Washington Blade
The Obama administration’s rule interpreted Section 1557’s ban on sex discrimination to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Supreme Court poised to roll back LGBTQ rights|Aaron Belkin|January 12, 2021|Washington Blade
The characters are of varied gender and sexual orientations, and have different views on what should or shouldn’t be happening in the world, he says.
Studio’s new audio play has nothing to do with holidays|Patrick Folliard|December 11, 2020|Washington Blade

In a separate move, YouTube said it’s soon introducing a new survey that will ask creators to voluntarily share with YouTube information about their gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity.
YouTube introduces new feature to address toxic comments|Sarah Perez|December 3, 2020|TechCrunch
The CDA was passed not in the name of censorship but in the name of protecting children from stumbling across sexual material.
How the PC Police Threaten Free Speech|Nick Gillespie|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But he, like many people using dating apps whatever their sexual identity, remains stoutly positive.
Grindr’s Trans Dating Problem|David Levesley|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Yeah, the “Giant man-puppy” that is Gronkowski won't hold a sexual candle to the blue-eyed dreamboat.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Early on, the sexual protagonist complains that her Molson-drinking husband is pretty much an incompetent Neanderthal.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It also contains some clunky passages of adultery, temptations of the flesh, and general sexual awkwardness.
Powerful Congressman Writes About ‘Fleshy Breasts’|Asawin Suebsaeng|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The sexual cycle can take place only within the body of one genus of mosquito, anopheles.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
With regard to the effects on the sexual powers, I have not sufficient data upon which to found positive rules.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy|Alexander Hughes Bennett
Darwin's view that it may have been a result of sexual selection seems the most probable explanation.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris
There have been waves of sexual crime in various countries at various times.
Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents|Oswald Chettle Mazengarb et al.
In Monmouthshire last year there was an increase of 88 per cent in sexual offences.
Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents|Oswald Chettle Mazengarb et al.

Cultural definitions for sexual orientation

sexual orientation

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