femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfe-mə-ˈni-nə-tē 

1

: the quality or nature of the female sex : the quality, state, or degree of being feminine or womanly

challenging traditional notions about femininity and masculinity

… the women were visions of powerful femininity.

—Alan Shipnuck

2

: woman, womankind

… he was now to contrast her sharply with the best of what the Old World had to offer in the matter of femininity …

—Theodore Dreiser

Synonyms

• feminity
• muliebrity
• womanhood
• womanishness
• womanliness

Examples of femininity in a Sentence

national costumes that accent masculinity and femininity

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the standout pieces include the Short Cape Coat, available in olive and beige, with a poncho-esque fit, allowing durability with a touch of femininity. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025

But, rather than grappling with these events, the show takes a view of femininity that differs from Gilead’s more in style than in substance. —Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025

Elsewhere, prosthetics came to play a key role in the art form of drag, where performers use prosthetic breastplates and hip pads to show varying forms of femininity. —Kyle MacNeill, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025

The Vionic Women’s Uptown Ballet Flats, particularly in soft gold leather, add a touch of femininity to any outfit. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing femininity

• hyper-femininity

Rhymes for femininity

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

Medical Definition

femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfem-ə-ˈnin-ət-ē 

plural femininities

: the quality or nature of the female sex