English Reference
noun

sexuality

n.
US /ˌsɛkʃuˈæɫəti/ UK /sˈɛkʃuːˈælɪti/ sex·u·al·i·ty UK spelling sexualities

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    the part of your personality that involves sexual feelings and how you express them.

    the quality of being sexual; the capacity for sexual feelings and the expression of one's sexual nature.

    Simple

    The book explores how teenagers develop their own sense of sexuality.

    In context

    The film was praised for its nuanced exploration of female sexuality, a subject often ignored or stereotyped in mainstream cinema.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Academic

    the state of being sexually active or interested in sex.

    the condition of being sexual or engaging in sexual activity.

    Simple

    The doctor asked questions about her health and sexuality.

    In context

    Sociologists have noted a shift in how modern society views the intersection of aging and sexuality.

    sexual activity
    celibacyasexuality

They have never concealed their sexuality and have evolved almost entirely in the public eye, which has included some stumbles.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Photograph: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions “My mum accepted my sexuality,” he says.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Borrowed from New Latin sexuālitās.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-new sexuālitās
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated