manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the condition of being a human being

2

: qualities associated with men : manliness

3

: the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female

4

: adult males : men

5

: penis

Synonyms

• machismo
• macho
• manliness
• masculinity
• virility

Examples of manhood in a Sentence

He took the comment as a challenge to his manhood.

He grew from boyhood to manhood in a small southern town.

the manhood of a nation

Recent Examples on the Web

To imagine a version of manhood where strength requires empathy, vulnerability, and care. —Reshma Saujani, Time, 19 May 2025

This truth is at the heart of Adolescence, Netflix’s new drama by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham—an impeccable, if harrowing, exploration of the trepidatious transition of boyhood to manhood and the ultimate radicalization of a schoolboy. —Raven Smith, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025

The first series of Olivia Attwood’s Bad Boyfriends saw eight boys travel to a Greek island under the premise of filming a series about manhood and bromance. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

This is an impossible and unrealistic vision of manhood that sets boys up for failure, disappointment, and frustration. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing manhood

• prove one's manhood

Rhymes for manhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

1

: courage, manliness

2

: the condition of being an adult male

3

: adult human males

the manhood of a nation