manly

1 of 2

adverb

man·​ly ˈman-lē 

: in a manly manner

manly

2 of 2

adjective

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities traditionally associated with a man : strong, virile

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

Synonyms

Adjective

• male
• man-size
• man-sized
• manlike
• mannish
• masculine
• virile

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

No Cow Vanilla Protein Powder $40 No Cow $40 Amazon Vega Sport Premium Protein This is the Old Spice of protein powders, marketed to manly men who Lift Heavy and Eat Clean and Consume an Unholy Amount of Protein. —Amanda Shapiro, Bon Appétit, 16 July 2024

The ‘bullet speech’ A part of what has become Roosevelt’s manly image happened in the fall of 1912. —Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Conveniently, Ilyin also foresaw that a manly redeemer would lead Russia to triumph. —Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2022

In a cumulation of centuries-old and harmful beliefs, many men believe ‘manly’ self-care falls within the confines of the gym or work. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024

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

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