mannerism

1 of 2

noun (1)

man·​ner·​ism ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm 

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 mannerism.

—Winthrop Sargeant

b

often Mannerism : 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

ˈma-nə-rist 

noun or adjective

manneristic

ˌma-nə-ˈri-stik 

adjective

mannerist

2 of 2

noun (2)

man·​ner·​ist -rə̇st 

plural -s

1

: an artist whose works show a strong tendency to imitation, to obedience to the rules of a school, or to a mannerism of his own

2

often capitalized : any of the artists of late 16th century Europe practicing mannerism

Synonyms of mannerism

Noun (1)

• trick
• trait
• characteristic
• habit
• quirk
• idiosyncrasy
• peculiarity
• eccentricity
• singularity

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

Noun (1)

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

Noun

Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible. —Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026

His behavior, his voice, his accent, his physical mannerisms, everything was so particular to him, but also to New York at a certain time, and in a certain kind of crowd. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 June 2026

In contrast to their peers, who may never have heard of Elvis, the competitors have dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to embodying the king's singing voice, mannerisms and style. —ABC News, 8 June 2026

Members of the community are typically assigned male at birth, occasionally intersex, and adopt traditionally feminine dress, names, pronouns, and mannerisms. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

manner entry 1 + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for mannerism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

mannerism

noun

man·​ner·​ism ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm 

: 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 

: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment

especially : any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly