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
Stuart KeateThe man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.—Susan Faludi
Susan FaludiExamples of masculinity in a Sentence
some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
At the same time, algorithmic content begins offering boys simplistic, and often toxic, storylines about masculinity, belonging, and power.
—Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
That early scene, at first, seems typical of two young male friends asserting their masculinity in a juvenile manner.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
This whole administration is sort of a parody of, like, a women’s-studies class on masculinity.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at New York University who has written about modern masculinity, has been among the most vocal proponents of the idea that drinking plays a crucial social role in American society.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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Dr. Liz Doe Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
That early scene, at first, seems typical of two young male friends asserting their masculinity in a juvenile manner.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
This whole administration is sort of a parody of, like, a women’s-studies class on masculinity.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at New York University who has written about modern masculinity, has been among the most vocal proponents of the idea that drinking plays a crucial social role in American society.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Psychological AbstractsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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