homosexuality

[hoh-muh-sek-shoo-al-i-tee, -seks-yoo-]

noun

Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

1. sexual desire or behavior directed toward people of one's own sex or gender.

2. the state of being sexually attracted only to people of one's own sex or gender.

homosexuality

/ ˌhɒm-, ˌhəʊməʊˌsɛksjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. sexual attraction to or sexual relations with members of the same sex Compare heterosexuality

homosexuality

1. A sexual attraction between persons of the same sex. (See gay and lesbian; compare heterosexuality.)

Usage

Is “homosexuality” offensive? See homosexual.

Other Word Forms

• antihomosexuality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of homosexuality¹

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + sexuality

Example Sentences

Burkina Faso's unelected transitional parliament has passed a bill banning homosexual acts, a little over a year after a draft of an amended family code that criminalised homosexuality was adopted by the country's cabinet.

From BBC

They are obsessed with homosexuality, abortion and the subordination of women, while they ignore the main teachings of Christianity and Jesus Christ, such as a distrust of greed and wealth.

From Salon

Boggs’ book finds Baldwin in middle age poised between creative fecundity and despair, growing frustrated with America’s failure of nerve regarding race and homosexuality as well as his own thwarted partnerships.

From Los Angeles Times

He is openly gay, but says he was figuring out his sexuality at a time when homosexuality was "looked on with terrible shame and disgust by the vast majority of society".

From BBC

"Michael, in my case, managed to spot somebody who was gay at a time when nearly all homosexuality was illegal - certainly very frowned on - so presumed that people would keep a secret."

From BBC