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Definition of heterosexual

heterosexual

/ˌhɛt.ə.roʊˈsɛk.ʃu.əl/
het · er · o · sex · u · al
Adverb:heterosexually
•
Plural:heterosexuals
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heterosexual Lexical Profile

heterosexual Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to people of the opposite sex.

Example

"The sociological study surveyed both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples regarding household division of labor."

2

Involving or characterized by relationships between individuals of different sexes (in biology and animal behavior).

Example

"Researchers observed seasonal heterosexual pairing among the migratory seabirds during the spring breeding period."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who is sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to people of the opposite sex.

Example

"The community health center offers counseling and support resources for both heterosexuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heterosexual
Antonyms
View all antonyms for heterosexual

• Rhymes for heterosexual

• Nearby Words

hetero
heterogeneous
heteromeles
heterosexual
heterosexuality
heterosexually
heterotheca

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century in German as 'heterosexuell' by Austro-Hungarian journalist Karl Maria Kertbeny, combining the Ancient Greek prefix 'hetero-' (meaning 'other' or 'different') with the Latinate word 'sexual'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heterosexual. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heterosexual
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