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

Over the course of three years, Kaczynski endured unrelenting ridicule of his intelligence, masculinity, and ideas, and along the way started journaling about revenge fantasies and dreams of escaping to nature. — Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Their scripts take on identity, intimacy, masculinity, belonging and personal freedom through love stories, thrillers, horror and dramedies that blend genres. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

The film is directed by David Ayer, a purveyor of wild action flicks and ballads of masculinity; the screenplay is the debut effort of Cameron Alexander. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

There’s an aspect of insecure masculinity—also present in the Turgenev and Davis Singers—as these men find themselves in the unknowns of a national transition. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 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