What does homosexuality mean?
Homosexuality means romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same sex. It describes a sexual orientation and does not imply a particular sexual practice, relationship, personality, or lifestyle. The term is used in academic, legal, historical, and biographical writing, while “gay” is often more natural in everyday and identity-related contexts. In discussions of law, social attitudes, representation, and rights, homosexuality is often paired with terms such as identity, discrimination, and community. Its history is closely connected with the development of modern sexology and with changing social understandings of sexuality. Although “same-sex attraction” can describe the underlying experience, homosexuality is the established formal term for the orientation.
nounHomosexuality is sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same sex. It is used to describe an orientation or identity rather than any particular sexual behavior.
- Sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to people of the same sex.
"The exhibition examines the history and social treatment of homosexuality over the past century."
"She discussed her homosexuality with close friends before telling her family."
"The law once penalized homosexuality, reflecting the attitudes of its time."
Rare; the noun is normally used in the singular or as a mass noun.
"The article compares different understandings of homosexuality across societies."
A word rooted in Greek for “same” and Latin for “of sex,” homosexuality is an orientation—not a synonym for any single relationship or act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does homosexuality come from?
The word combines the Greek homos, meaning “same,” with the Latin-derived sexualis, meaning “of sex” or “sexual.” Its elements were brought together in the modern medical and sexological vocabulary of the 19th century. The related adjective “homosexual” was likewise used to describe attraction or orientation before the abstract noun “homosexuality” became established.
Related word forms
How homosexuality is actually used
The term is standard in academic, legal, historical, and biographical contexts. In everyday use, “gay” may be preferred when referring to a person or community; the choice depends on tone and context.