manly

1 of 2

adverb

man·​ly ˈman-lē 

: in a manly manner

manly

2 of 2

adjective

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities (such as strength or virility) traditionally associated with men

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

Synonyms of manly

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

Apollo’s manly, all-business moon crews of the 1960s and 1970s certainly did not do group hugs. —Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026

Putting manly man Dwayne Johnson in a pink satin Dolce & Gabbana tux at the 2023 Oscars resonated throughout the culture. —Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026

For example, the sophisticated mindset included sophisticated, elegant, classy, formal and fancy; the masculinity mindset included masculine, tough, confident, manly and strong; and the party mindset included energetic, outgoing, fun, like partying and like celebrating. —Logan Pant, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

The journal inspired the 2019 BBC drama Gentleman Jack, the nickname locals gave Lister for acting in what was deemed a manly way. —Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

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