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

• masculinity

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

Fellas, your cocktail glass is not a threat to your manhood. —Jessi Roti, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 May 2025

Dark and brilliantly written, this show unpacks the complexities of humanity and manhood and how the rise of the manosphere has so eerily and quickly permeated itself into the lives of young people through social media. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025

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

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