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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Is his insecurity rooted in lazy heteronormative ideas of what partnership looks like? —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 25 June 2024 Society is still too heteronormative, and someone like DeJ, whose fashion sense coalesces femininity with subtle machismo, confounds people who still conflate gender identity with sexuality. —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024 The same heteronormative forces that can lead us to suppress our queerness can also complicate making inroads with other women. —

Katie Simon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 Being la tía loca means a lack of true connection in public spaces with women who perform a heteronormative femininity. —

Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, refinery29.com, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heteronormative

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of heteronormative was in 1991

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Heteronormative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heteronormative. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation