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

• machismo
• macho
• manhood
• manliness
• virility

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of this material reality, the left often talks about masculinity as a cultural or ideological construct. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Furthermore, the study highlights cultural contingencies, indicating that the detrimental effects of workplace aggression are amplified in cultures characterized by high individualism and masculinity. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Ancient Rome is cool because of gladiators, Julius Caesar — and yes, the underlying lore of strength, bravery and epic feats of masculinity. —Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025

And what are your thoughts on the way that the character, for better or for worse, has been used and propped up as a bastion of masculinity in pop culture? —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 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