masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
Synonyms of masculinitynext
: 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

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s so much discussion about hockey and locker room talk and (toxic) masculinity and all that culture. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 May 2026 The central performances are strong, with Brown perfectly embodying a sinister, otherworldly image of masculinity run amok. Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 On May 4, at a MAHA Institute panel on the use of antidepressants, Admiral Brian Christine, Health and Human Services assistant secretary, said challenges to traditional masculinity contribute to the mental health crisis among men. Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 12 May 2026 Falling for Valeria offers escape but threatens the fragile masculinity, peer loyalty and privileges that define him. Callum McLennan, Variety, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for masculinity

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masculinity was in 1613

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Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

masculinity

noun
mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
plural masculinities
: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine
measurement of masculinity or femininityPsychological Abstracts

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