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

The man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.

—Susan Faludi

Synonyms

• machismo
• macho
• manhood
• manliness
• virility

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

In the end, that perfect, permanent masculinity is a problem of society. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024

Listen to this article Loading your audio article While much political discussion has centered around women — their rights, defining characteristics and role in society — and targeting transgender people, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy says that Democrats need to talk more about men and masculinity. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2024

The two were easy scapegoats in a media culture and news environment that often pathologized Black masculinity as deviant and dangerous. —Brandon Harris, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2024

There are hints that what’s really going on here is an indictment of patriarchal toxic masculinity. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masculinity

• hyper-masculinity

Medical 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