mannerism

noun

man·​ner·​ism ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
1
a
: exaggerated or affected (see affected entry 2 sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity
refined almost to the point of mannerismWinthrop Sargeant
b
often capitalized : an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
mannerist noun or adjective
manneristic adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for mannerism

pose, air, airs, affectation, mannerism mean an adopted way of speaking or behaving.

pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Examples of mannerism in a Sentence

The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly. quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes
Recent Examples on the Web Shapiro’s speaking style and mannerism have drawn comparisons to Obama’s. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024 In a 2013 interview, Jackson said that McKellen based his performance on the author’s own voice and mannerisms. Christian Holub, EW.com, 9 Oct. 2024 Even her detractors, who complained that her mannerisms — perpetually protruding elbows, flying hands, triple takes, swooping vocal inflections — marred some of her performances (particularly in long-running plays) could not dispute the impact of her theatrical energy. Carmel Dagan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024 But Debicki virtually channeled the real Diana into her performance, nailing her mannerisms and exhibiting the emotional depth of why her country and the world rooted for her. Marc Berman, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mannerism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mannerism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mannerism was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near mannerism

Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
: a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting
the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses

Medical Definition

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
especially : any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly

More from Merriam-Webster on mannerism

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