bisexuality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, clinical, and identity/community contexts. It can be used neutrally in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “bisexuality” mean?
The quality or characteristic of being sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to more than one sex or gender.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or characteristic of being sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to more than one sex or gender.
Historically, the term has sometimes been used more broadly to denote attraction to both men and women, or within a binary gender framework. In contemporary discourse, it is often understood within a non-binary or inclusive framework as attraction to one's own gender and other genders, or attraction regardless of gender. It is also an identity, a field of academic study (e.g., bisexual history), and a political or social category.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations depend heavily on context (clinical, academic, activist, pejorative). In more conservative or uninformed discourse, it may carry outdated stereotypes (e.g., indecisiveness, promiscuity). In LGBTQ+ communities, it is a neutral/positive identity term.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in American media due to broader public discourse on LGBTQ+ identities.
Grammar
How to Use “bisexuality” in a Sentence
[possessive pronoun] + bisexuality (e.g., Her bisexuality)the + bisexuality + of + [noun phrase] (e.g., the bisexuality of the protagonist)bisexuality + as + [noun phrase] (e.g., bisexuality as an identity)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bisexuality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form. One might 'identify as bisexual'.]
American English
- [No direct verb form. One might 'come out as bisexual'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. One might say 'identifies bisexually', but this is very rare and awkward.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- She had a bisexual relationship at university.
- The club had a bisexual-friendly policy.
American English
- He is openly bisexual and an advocate.
- They attended a bisexual support group.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies or training materials.
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, gender studies, and queer theory literature.
Everyday
Used in personal conversations about identity and relationships, and in media discussions of LGBTQ+ topics.
Technical
Used in clinical psychology, sexology, and demographic surveys with specific definitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bisexuality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bisexuality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bisexuality”
- Misspelling as 'bisexuallity' or 'bisexulity'.
- Using it as an adjective (the correct adjective is 'bisexual').
- Confusing it with non-monogamy or polyamory.
- Assuming it implies equal attraction to all genders at all times.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically defined within a gender binary, modern understandings often define bisexuality as attraction to more than one gender, one's own gender and other genders, or regardless of gender, inclusive of non-binary people.
Both fall under the multisexual umbrella. Bisexuality generally means attraction to more than one gender. Pansexuality specifically emphasises attraction regardless of gender or to all genders. The distinction is personal and many use the terms interchangeably.
Yes. Sexual orientation describes capacity for attraction, not current behaviour. A bisexual person in a monogamous relationship with one person does not cease to be bisexual.
It's a common, informal abbreviation used within the community and allies (e.g., 'bi pride', 'bi person'). It is generally acceptable unless an individual specifies another preference.
The quality or characteristic of being sexually, romantically, or emotionally attracted to more than one sex or gender.
Bisexuality is usually formal, academic, clinical, and identity/community contexts. it can be used neutrally in everyday conversation. in register.
Bisexuality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.sek.ʃuˈæl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.sek.ʃuˈæl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this noun. Common phrases include 'on the bisexual spectrum' or 'bi visibility'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the prefix 'BI-' meaning 'two' (as in bicycle) combined with 'sexuality'. It originally described attraction to 'two' sexes/genders, though its modern understanding is often more inclusive.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPECTRUM (bisexuality exists on a spectrum of sexuality), A FLUID (sexual fluidity), A BRIDGE (sometimes incorrectly seen as a bridge between hetero- and homosexuality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common misconception about bisexuality?