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 of masculinity

• maleness
• manhood
• manliness
• virility
• machismo

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

Italian-French director Tommaso Usberti’s Before the War, a coming-of-age tale exploring contemporary masculinity, has scooped the Grand Prize at the 41st Venice International Film Critics’ Week. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026

Stranded in a no-man’s land where everybody deplores toxic masculinity but the guys still need to be given something to do, the film doesn’t manage to contrive any actual fun. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Mixed white-Asian male actors have already emerged as the preferred version of Asian masculinity, particularly as romantic leads. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026

The ways by which American men affirm their masculinity are uncertain and obscure. — T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masculinity

• hyper-masculinity

Rhymes for masculinity

• alkalinity
• consanguinity
• crystallinity
• femininity
• affinity
• divinity
• infinity
• salinity
• vicinity
• virginity

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