homosexuality

noun

ho·​mo·​sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌhō-mə-ˌsek-shə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

1

now sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : sexual or romantic attraction to others of one's same sex : the quality or state of being gay

2

now sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : sexual activity with another of the same sex

Usage of Homosexuality

Neutral use of the term homosexuality is still somewhat common, especially in technical and formal contexts. Outside of those contexts, however, the word can be seen as evoking negative stereotypes and outdated clinical understandings of homosexuality as a psychiatric condition.

Examples of homosexuality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These policies have been expanded into sweeping bans on Pride events and depictions of homosexuality in media like films and TV. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, critics also highlighted the harsh conditions faced by migrant workers building stadiums as well as the country’s ban on homosexuality. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026

Magyar’s focus on the economy means reform of Hungary’s draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which currently includes the banning of Pride marches and fines for promoting homosexuality in schools, may not be a priority. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

Senegal joins more than 30 African countries that criminalize homosexuality, while Somalia, Uganda and Mauritania impose the death penalty for same-sex conduct. —Babacar Dione, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

The Maldives were out, where homosexuality is outlawed. —Rachel King, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Those imprisoned under that law were forced to wear a pink triangle to denote homosexuality. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

As late as the 1970s, the American Psychiatric Association still classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. —Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026

The American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for homosexuality

• ethylenediamine
• idiosyncrasy
• nanotechnology
• phenomenology
• phenylenediamine
• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• agouti
• allottee
• amphorae

Kids Definition

homosexuality

noun

ho·​mo·​sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌhō-mə-ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ə-tē 

sometimes offensive

: sexual or romantic attraction to others of one's same sex : the quality or state of being gay

Medical Definition

homosexuality

noun

ho·​mo·​sex·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌhō-mə-ˌsek-shə-ˈwal-ət-ē 

plural homosexualities

1

: sexual or romantic attraction to others of one's same sex : the quality or state of being gay

2

: sexual activity with another of the same sex