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

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

"Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

They, too, are using dating apps, subtly hinting at their sexual orientation by including their preferred pronouns in their bios and opening up their profiles to be viewed by the same sex.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Sixteen states don’t have any anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, meaning for LGBTQI+ people living in those states, federal court is their only hope.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

From our much more broadminded twenty-first-century North American viewpoint, it’s important to remember that identifying yourself as male or female doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with your sexual orientation.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein