English · Word Candidate

homosexuality

/ˌhoʊməˌsɛkʃuˈælɪti/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The state of being sexually and romantically attracted primarily or exclusively to persons of the same sex, sometimes (potentially offensive) restricted to same-sex attraction between males.

Noun

Examples

Great diminution or complete absence of sexual feeling for the opposite sex, with substitution of sexual feeling and instinct for the same sex. (Homo-sexuality, or contrary sexual instinct).

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Sexual activity with a person of the same sex, sometimes (potentially offensive) restricted to same-sex sex between males.

Noun

Examples

Bourneville believes that 75 per cent. of the inmates of the Parisian venereal hospitals have practised homosexuality.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “homosexuality” mean?

The state of being sexually and romantically attracted primarily or exclusively to persons of the same sex, sometimes (potentially offensive) restricted to same-sex attraction between males.

Is “homosexuality” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.