effeminacy

noun

ef·fem·i·na·cy | \ ə-ˈfe-mə-nə-sē

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Definition of effeminacy

: the quality of being effeminate

Examples of effeminacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His taste (in clothes, in food, in decor) marks him as a modern-day dandy, though his imposing frame complicates the stereotypes of effeminacy that many have come to associate with such a label. — Manuel Betancourt, The Atlantic, "The Refreshing Queer Sensibility of American Gods," 11 June 2017 Luckily, for me and for Freddie, the stupefying naïveté of the ’70s provided cover for even the most flagrant acts of effeminacy. — Jim Farber, New York Times, "Growing Up Gay to a Glam Rock Soundtrack," 3 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effeminacy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of effeminacy was in 1602

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