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

As a result, boys often experience cross-gender competition as confusing, shameful, or as a test of masculinity rather than a test of skill. —Soraya Chemaly, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

And then was bombarded with impassioned blather about the upside of nontoxic masculinity. —Mara Reinstein, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025

Andrew Tate is primarily known for his brand of hyper-masculinity. —Will Carless, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

Under Darko Tresnjak’s confidently broad direction, the play’s first act functions as high-speed farce, a desperate clown show of embarrassed, aspiring masculinity. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025

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