manly

1 of 2

adverb

man·​ly ˈman-lē 

: in a manly manner

manly

2 of 2

adjective

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities (such as strength or virility) traditionally associated with men

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

Synonyms of manly

Adjective

• male
• masculine

Examples of manly in a Sentence

Adjective

He wasn't manly enough to fight.

He has a deep, manly voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The journal inspired the 2019 BBC drama Gentleman Jack, the nickname locals gave Lister for acting in what was deemed a manly way. —Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

The rest of the show is very manly, quite harsh and brutal. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026

But on top of it, have poison oak on my manly parts. —Outside Online, 18 Feb. 2026

His growth in college and his growth on this campus just as a man, as a confident, manly, good person that’s all about team. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English manli "befitting a man, bravely, resolutely, courteously," going back to Old English manliche, from man man entry 1 + -liche -ly entry 2

Adjective

Middle English manli "human, male, brave, resolute, noble," from man man entry 1 + -li -ly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for manly

• unmanly

Kids Definition

manly

adjective

man·​ly

ˈman-lē

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities usually expected of a man : strong

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

manliness noun