heteronormative

adjective

het·​ero·​nor·​ma·​tive ˌhē-tə-rō-ˈnȯr-mə-tiv 

: of, relating to, or based on the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality

heteronormativity

ˌhē-tə-rō-ˌnȯr-mə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of heteronormative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s nothing like a mortgage and heteronormative domesticity to kill a romance, or so goes the thesis of Timothy Janovsky’s latest novel. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024

Some toxic relational patterns spotlighted within this trend aim to expose and dismantle the societal structures that women, unfortunately, experience in heteronormative relationships, with the hopes of challenging these hurtful norms to create equity and respectful relationships. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 3 Dec. 2024

Lesbianism blurs the boundaries of femininity and masculinity because ti is outside heteronormative boxes. —Vogue, 20 Nov. 2024

Is his insecurity rooted in lazy heteronormative ideas of what partnership looks like? —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

hetero- + normative

Note: The word was popularized, if not introduced, by the American critic and scholar Michael Warner (born 1958) in "Introduction: Fear of a Queer Planet," Social Text, no. 29 (1991), pp. 3-15.

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above