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
This vision of masculinity and fatherhood is part of what inspired his new children’s book, Dada Takes a Trip.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
Ultimately, many of these books’ characters are portrayed as avatars of resentment and disaffection, men who seem to fall prey to the rigid vision of masculinity dispensed by real-life adherents to the manosphere.
—Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Red meat has long been associated with virility, masculinity and the national identity of America, Wright said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
But just thinking about this leather jacket and his rings and stuff, expressing your emotions and talking about your heart and your heartbreak doesn’t necessarily fit into the idea of masculinity.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
Ultimately, many of these books’ characters are portrayed as avatars of resentment and disaffection, men who seem to fall prey to the rigid vision of masculinity dispensed by real-life adherents to the manosphere.
—Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Red meat has long been associated with virility, masculinity and the national identity of America, Wright said.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
But just thinking about this leather jacket and his rings and stuff, expressing your emotions and talking about your heart and your heartbreak doesn’t necessarily fit into the idea of masculinity.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 25 Feb. 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 11 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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