manly

1 of 2

adverb

man·​ly ˈman-lē 

: in a manly manner

manly

2 of 2

adjective

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities traditionally associated with a man : strong, virile

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

Synonyms

Adjective

• male
• masculine

Examples of manly in a Sentence

Adjective

He wasn't manly enough to fight.

He has a deep, manly voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And that’s the end of the manly story. —Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025

Fall is the time for manly men doing manly things. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

The myth of manly resilience is passed down from father to son. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025

This is also the same Newsom who a few months ago was pretending to be moderate, even somewhat conservative, pro-gun and manly. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English manli "befitting a man, bravely, resolutely, courteously," going back to Old English manliche, from man man entry 1 + -liche -ly entry 2

Adjective

Middle English manli "human, male, brave, resolute, noble," from man man entry 1 + -li -ly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for manly

• unmanly

Kids Definition

manly

adjective

man·​ly

ˈman-lē

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities usually expected of a man : strong

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

manliness noun