Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

sexuality

American  
[sek-shoo-al-i-tee, seks-yoo-] / ˌsɛk ʃuˈæl ɪ ti, ˌsɛks yu- /

noun

  1. sexual character; possession of the structural and functional traits of sex.

  2. recognition of or emphasis upon sexual matters.

  3. involvement in sexual activity.

  4. an organism's preparedness for engaging in sexual activity.

sexuality British  
/ ˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being sexual

  2. preoccupation with or involvement in sexual matters

  3. the possession of sexual potency

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • antisexuality noun
  • supersexuality noun

Etymology

Origin of sexuality

First recorded in 1790–1800; sexual + -ity

Explanation

The noun sexuality can refer to sexual matters of all kinds. It often describes having sexual feelings. A novel about a teenager growing up may examine the awakening sexuality of its main character. Sexuality also describes a person's sexual preferences and orientation — meaning whether you're gay or straight. Sexuality can refer to erotic experiences, but it can also be used broadly to refer to how organisms — whether human or animal — reproduce. There are scientists who exclusively study sexuality, from the mating habits of animals to the peculiarities of how humans pair up.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He made history as the first out gay chief executive of a Fortune 500 company, writing about his sexuality in a 2014 essay for Bloomberg Businessweek.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Half Man explores the breakdown of their brotherhood and sees Niall struggle to accept his sexuality, while Ruben grapples with a trauma from his past.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

While a field increasingly dominated by women has become more open to studying issues like pregnancy, motherhood and female sexuality, it may also exert its own biases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Colorado’s law does not ban opinions about sexuality or faith.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

The few family members we told had no problem with our sexuality.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.