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 The lead actresses, among the most distinctive of their generation, are plugged into the film but given little but mannerisms to perform. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024 To ensure such detail and context – across clothing, mannerisms, and language – Scorsese worked with a broad team of Osage cultural leads, including Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. Eda Yu, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2024 Natalie had to study and copy a lot of your mannerisms. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 Dec. 2023 In a video posted on Robinson's TikTok, the 4-year-old starts talking and praying just like her own mother, copying several of her mannerisms. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024 At first, the young penguin’s mannerisms may be an adjustment for the other birds, such as its tendency to make baby vocalizations that — in the wild — might make a penguin colony more vulnerable to predators, Strate said. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024 Researchers have also started to recognize the orcas for their mannerisms. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2024 That meant nailing down his dad’s mannerisms from The Sopranos. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 11 Jan. 2024 For him, putting a face, a sound, and attributing mannerisms and a personality to Fayed — who’s death was largely overshadowed by the national mourning for Diana — was about more than doing justice to his personal legacy. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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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