manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is an impossible and unrealistic vision of manhood that sets boys up for failure, disappointment, and frustration. Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 May 2025 The connection between these two boys into their manhood is a connection that nobody on the outside would ever understand. Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025 The posts and accompanying videos seen by CNN typically promise good pay and to boost the manhood of those who sign up. Yong Xiong, Todd Symons, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025 The intersection of toxic masculinity (i.e., loss of their virginity is a rite of passage into manhood) and adultification (i.e., viewing and treating Black boys as men) perpetuates early sexualization and hypersexualization of Black boys. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manhood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhood was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Manhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhood. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

manhood

noun
man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
1
2
: the condition of being an adult male
3
: adult human males
the manhood of a nation

More from Merriam-Webster on manhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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