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DictionarystraightHeterosexual
adjective / noun

straight

Sexually or romantically attracted to people of the opposite sex.

He describes himself as straight when discussing his romantic relationships.

Etymology
straightOld Englishstretched

Straight had uses for conventional or socially conforming behavior. The sexual-orientation sense arose within that slang contrast and became a common term for heterosexuality.

More examples

  • The support group welcomes gay and straight students.
  • She has both straight and lesbian friends.
  • Their survey included respondents who identified as straight.

Forms

straight · straights

Similar words

heterosexual
The more formal term for the same sexual orientation.