masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
: the quality or nature of the male sex : the quality, state, or degree of being masculine or manly
challenging traditional notions about masculinity and femininity
… a style which alternates between a polished grace and blunt masculinity.Stuart Keate
The man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.Susan Faludi

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web The relationship between femininity, masculinity, doubt — which is maybe seen as weakness, maybe seen as a feminine quality. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 So for Love Is Blind to be one of the few spaces (especially on national television) to challenge toxic masculinity was striking to watch – but necessary in the long run. Giana Levy, refinery29.com, 8 Oct. 2024 Despite the possibility of a female President, masculinity has swaggered to the center of the 2024 election—a development both parties seem to have embraced. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2024 The bro vote: How masculinity is shaping the 2024 election. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for masculinity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masculinity.' 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

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masculinity was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near masculinity

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

masculinity

noun
mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
plural masculinities
: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine
measurement of masculinity or femininityPsychological Abstracts

More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!