masculinity
noun
mas·cu·lin·i·ty
ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē 
: the quality or nature of the male sex : the quality, state, or degree of being masculine or manly
challenging traditional notions about masculinity and femininity
… a style which alternates between a polished grace and blunt masculinity.—
Stuart Keate
Stuart KeateThe man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.—Susan Faludi
Susan FaludiExamples of masculinity in a Sentence
some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
Bobbi boils with resentment and shame when Recife’s crooked police chief undermines his masculinity.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Among those featured is controversial influencer HSTikkyTokky, setting the stage for a probing look at digital masculinity and its real-world consequences.
—Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
For Fisher, the film offered an opportunity to explore masculinity and parenting from a perspective rarely seen on screen.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
An undercurrent of anxiety and repression lies below 2charm’s image of confident masculinity, and that shame is what manages to keep their sometimes standard hyperpop interesting.
—Reanna Cruz, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Among those featured is controversial influencer HSTikkyTokky, setting the stage for a probing look at digital masculinity and its real-world consequences.
—Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2026
For Fisher, the film offered an opportunity to explore masculinity and parenting from a perspective rarely seen on screen.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
An undercurrent of anxiety and repression lies below 2charm’s image of confident masculinity, and that shame is what manages to keep their sometimes standard hyperpop interesting.
—Reanna Cruz, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
masculinity
noun
mas·cu·lin·i·ty
ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē
plural masculinities
: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine
measurement of masculinity or femininity—Psychological Abstracts
Psychological AbstractsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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