masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē 

: 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

Synonyms of masculinity

• maleness
• manhood
• manliness
• virility
• machismo

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement The fantasy that masculinity can be recovered through diet is as old as the United States. — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026

Instead, algorithmic systems on social media platforms are to blame for the masculinity industry boom, according to Kristina Wilfore, director of Global Projects and Innovation at Reset Tech, who co-wrote the study. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Some people may correlate high testosterone with more masculinity—bigger muscles and things like that. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026

Experts say these concerns are largely unfounded, but the conversation is bringing to light misconceptions about testosterone and masculinity. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masculinity

• hyper-masculinity

Rhymes for masculinity

• alkalinity
• consanguinity
• crystallinity
• femininity
• affinity
• divinity
• infinity
• salinity
• vicinity
• virginity

Medical Definition

masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

plural masculinities

: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine

measurement of masculinity or femininity

—Psychological Abstracts