masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
: 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.
In exploring height in definitions of masculinity in Georgian England, McCormack considers the very tall John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718–1792). Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 28 June 2025 Counselors who provide deep kindness and empathy to campers model healthier, more expansive examples of masculinity to boys. Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 27 June 2025 The ensemble, through drag, is meant to send up the postures of masculinity. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 June 2025 The magazine said the former Yves Saint Laurent creative director will deepen its cultural commentary on masculinity. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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