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

A PPS spokesperson said it worked with other organisations across the justice system "to ensure that hostility based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability is confronted wherever it arises".

From BBC • May 1, 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

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

As part of his story’s ongoing tragedy, Preston spent much of his life closeted from the reality of his sexual orientation.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

While race and sexual orientation are perfectly appropriate aspects of one’s identity to embrace, criminality for its own sake most certainly is not.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander