manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the condition of being a human being

2

: qualities associated with men : manliness

3

: the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female

4

: adult males : men

5

: penis

Synonyms

• masculinity

Examples of manhood in a Sentence

He took the comment as a challenge to his manhood.

He grew from boyhood to manhood in a small southern town.

the manhood of a nation

Recent Examples on the Web

More than just a reflection on his origin, the project serves as a sonic memoir, capturing the journey from boyhood to manhood. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 5 Aug. 2025

At a time when much of the media is bowing to Trump, the opening of the show’s new season ridiculed his megalomania, his intimidation of the media and his manhood. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025

According to the nonprofit's State of American Men 2025 report which surveyed nearly 2,500 people, 86% of men and 77% of women say being a provider defines manhood. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 29 July 2025

In his struggles from boyhood to manhood were my trials and tribulations, too. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing manhood

• prove one's manhood

Rhymes for manhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

1

: courage, manliness

2

: the condition of being an adult male

3

: adult human males

the manhood of a nation