sexuality
noun
sex·u·al·i·ty
ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē 
1
: the quality or state of being sexual: such as
a
: sexual reproduction (see reproduction sense 1)
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest
High school can be confusing, and grappling with one's burgeoning sexuality, even more so.—
Eliza Berman
Eliza Berman2
: a person's sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, straight, gay, pansexual, etc. : sexual orientation
… the TV star told fans that she was "interested in both men and women" after a fan questioned her sexuality.—Courtney Ciandella
Courtney CiandellaExamples of sexuality in a Sentence
She is comfortable with her sexuality.
a study of male sexuality
Recent Examples on the Web
But Interview With the Vampire set a precedent for transformative TV from the Immortal Universe, its narrative and visual audacity subverting adaptation tropes and genre storytelling by challenging viewers’ notions of immortality, sexuality, and destiny.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
By being proud of his place in Greek life and proud of his sexuality, Willmore is opening up Greek life for more young, gay students curious about that world of brotherhood.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Surely, his sexuality played a role in his undeniable cleverness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
The world of sexuality is increasingly complex, and each of the subjects has their own challenges to deal with.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
By being proud of his place in Greek life and proud of his sexuality, Willmore is opening up Greek life for more young, gay students curious about that world of brotherhood.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Surely, his sexuality played a role in his undeniable cleverness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
The world of sexuality is increasingly complex, and each of the subjects has their own challenges to deal with.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sexuality
Cite this Entry
“Sexuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sexuality. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sexuality
noun
sex·u·al·i·ty
ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being sexual
Medical Definition
sexuality
noun
sex·u·al·i·ty
ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē
plural sexualities
1
: the quality or state of being sexual:
a
biology
: the condition of having sex (see sex entry 1 sense 1a)
b
: sexual activity
c
: expression of sexual receptivity or interest
2
: a person's sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, heterosexual, gay, etc. : sexual orientation
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