What does sexuality mean?
Sexuality is the quality or state of being sexual. In contemporary usage, it commonly refers to a person's sexual attractions, orientation, identity, preferences, and expression, but it can also describe sexual activity or life more generally. The word does not have a single fixed meaning: its sense depends on context, ranging from personal identity and relationships to the study of sexuality in biology, psychology, history, and culture. In discussions of human sexuality, the term often emphasizes that sexual lives and forms of expression are varied and socially shaped. It is distinct from sexual orientation, which focuses more narrowly on patterns of attraction, although the two are frequently connected. The word is common in general and academic English and is used carefully in educational, clinical, and cultural settings.
nounThe quality or state of being sexual, including sexual orientation, attractions, preferences, and patterns of sexual activity or expression. The term is also used more broadly to refer to sexual life or sexuality as a dimension of human identity and culture.
- The capacity for sexual attraction, desire, or activity, including the ways these are experienced and expressed.
- Sexual orientation or sexual identity considered as part of a person's sense of self.
- Sexual activity or life considered as a whole.
- The qualities or characteristics associated with being sexual, as in an artistic or cultural treatment of the subject.
"The exhibition explores the diverse ways that people express their sexuality and form intimate relationships."
"She has explored her sexuality through honest conversations and supportive relationships."
"The course examines the relationship between sexuality, culture, and power."
Usually used as an uncountable singular concept. The plural is uncommon and may be used when referring to different forms of sexuality or individual sexual identities.
"The seminar considers how sexualities are shaped by culture and history."
The word 'sexuality' describes more than attraction: it captures the complex ways sexuality shapes identity, relationships, culture, and self-understanding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sexuality come from?
The noun comes from the adjective sexual, which was borrowed from Latin sexualis, a form of sexus meaning 'birth, origin, or sexual distinction.' The suffix -ity, through the Latin pattern -itas, forms a noun indicating a quality or state. Related Latin-root words include sextet and sexagenary, while the English derivative sexual preserves the same root and its historical associations.
Related word forms
How sexuality is actually used
The term is used in general, academic, educational, and cultural contexts. In everyday use, it often refers to sexual orientation or identity, while in academic contexts it may encompass the broader biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of sex.
Easily confused with sexuality
Sexual orientation refers specifically to enduring patterns of romantic or sexual attraction, while sexuality is broader and can also include sexual behavior, identity, expression, and relationships.