virile

adjective

vir·ile | \ ˈvir-əl

, ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l, British also ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l

Definition of virile

1a : having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree

b : characteristic of or associated with men : masculine

2 : having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

3 : energetic, vigorous

4 : masterful, forceful

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Examples of virile in a Sentence

men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet shows like The Tudors and Wolf Hall depict her as cunning and scorned, a woman who seduced her dead husband’s brother, who deserves to whither and die alone as a young, virile Henry VIII chases Anne Boleyn. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "The First Teaser Trailer for," 25 Jan. 2019 Sprung from the loins of the virile wellness industry, these next-gen pills and powders bear the seductive trappings of self-care. — Jancee Dunn, Allure, "Pretty Pills: How Beauty Supplements Changed the Way We View Wellness," 2 Oct. 2018 The evening’s performance, led by French tenor Roberto Alagna (the virile Samson) and Latvian mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca (Dalila—the Bible’s original femme fatale), was live-streamed from 42nd Street jumbotrons. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Patricia Clarkson, Adrien Brody, and Debbie Harry Enjoy the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Gala," 25 Sep. 2018 The video that sparked the controversy went virile after Faith's brother posted it on Facebook. — Kevin Mcgill, Fox News, "Archdiocese says school's hair extension policy rescinded," 27 Aug. 2018 His Padraic is as smolderingly virile as his Poldark. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Orlando Bloom and Aidan Turner Are Drenched in Blood in London," 4 July 2018 The moment, in retrospect, came about from a virile accident. — Michael S. Rosenwald, chicagotribune.com, "The Viagra jackpot: A history of the little blue pill at 20," 28 Mar. 2018 The moment, in retrospect, came about from a virile accident. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "The Viagra jackpot: A history of the little blue pill at 20," 28 Mar. 2018 Daniel Ulbricht, always sparky and engaging, keeps gaining subtlety; but Andrew Veyette, another source of virile humor, is showing a few signs of coarseness. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "New York City Ballet Is in Limbo, but in Bloom," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'virile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.