noun

pansexuality

pan-sek-shoo-AL-i-tee

Quiz me More like this

Pansexuality (noun) means a sexual orientation in which a person may feel attraction to others regardless of their gender or sex. Example: “She has spoken openly about her pansexuality in interviews.”

noun

A sexual orientation in which a person may feel attraction to others regardless of their gender or sex.

"She has spoken openly about her pansexuality in interviews."

"Pansexuality is often described as attraction to the person rather than to a particular gender."

"Awareness of pansexuality has grown alongside wider discussion of sexual orientation."

How to use pansexuality

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPansexuality means being open to attraction to someone regardless of their gender.

When to use it

This is a neutral, descriptive term used in everyday and academic discussion of sexual orientation.

Memory tip

The prefix pan- means all, which is the easiest way to remember what makes this orientation distinct.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

bisexuality →

Common pairings

express one's pansexuality

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like pansexuality.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “pansexuality” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She has spoken openly about her _____ in interviews.

Etymology

Pansexuality is formed in English from the adjective pansexual with the noun-forming suffix -ity.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

omnisexuality

Rhymes for pansexuality

city deity acuity parity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality annuity gravity

See all rhymes for pansexuality →

Frequently asked questions

What does pansexuality mean?

It describes a sexual orientation involving possible attraction to people of any gender or sex.

Does pansexuality only refer to attraction regardless of gender?

Mainly, yes, though the word is occasionally used in a rarer sense to describe a sexuality that takes in all kinds of sexuality, rather than one specific orientation.

Is omnisexuality a synonym for pansexuality?

Yes, omnisexuality is used by some people as another term for the same orientation.

What is the meaning of pansexuality?

"pansexuality" (noun) means a sexual orientation in which a person may feel attraction to others regardless of their gender or sex.