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

• 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

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

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