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
• 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

Come for the unraveling of manly sanities, stay for Dafoe's farts and a scene-stealing seagull. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

The crowd applauds for 13 seconds both at the intense, almost Chris Farley–esque yell itself and the absurdity of Maron’s desire to be a manly coward. —John Roy, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025

And that’s the end of the manly story. —Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025

This is also the same Newsom who a few months ago was pretending to be moderate, even somewhat conservative, pro-gun and manly. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025

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