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
Taking place in 2008 and present day, Foster Dade is described as a sophisticated mystery set at an East Coast boarding school that explores privilege, scandal, sexuality and masculinity amid the rise of social media, millennial anxiety and pharmaceuticals.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Who can embody masculinity without disrespecting women or gay people, who can speak to the men—particularly young men of color—leaving the party in droves.
—Molly Ball, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Harron and Turner emphasize the comedy of '80s yuppie manners inside Ellis' orgy of bloodlust, highlighting its savage satire of toxic masculinity and consumer excess.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
The anger expressed in his music was not unlike Eminem, whose brash internal frustrations with masculinity fueled the most brilliant and simultaneously violent, misogynistic, and homophobic music of his career.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Who can embody masculinity without disrespecting women or gay people, who can speak to the men—particularly young men of color—leaving the party in droves.
—Molly Ball, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Harron and Turner emphasize the comedy of '80s yuppie manners inside Ellis' orgy of bloodlust, highlighting its savage satire of toxic masculinity and consumer excess.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
The anger expressed in his music was not unlike Eminem, whose brash internal frustrations with masculinity fueled the most brilliant and simultaneously violent, misogynistic, and homophobic music of his career.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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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