manly

1 of 2

adverb

man·​ly ˈman-lē 

: in a manly manner

manly

2 of 2

adjective

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities traditionally associated with a man : strong, virile

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

Synonyms

Adjective

• male
• man-size
• man-sized
• manlike
• mannish
• masculine
• virile

Examples of manly in a Sentence

Adjective

He wasn't manly enough to fight.

He has a deep, manly voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Conveniently, Ilyin also foresaw that a manly redeemer would lead Russia to triumph. —Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 29 Mar. 2022

In a cumulation of centuries-old and harmful beliefs, many men believe ‘manly’ self-care falls within the confines of the gym or work. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024

Hayes, who now has a solo career, manly stubble, and a fully functioning frontal lobe, comes back to Solène. —Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2024

But Nixon had a decent respect for the opinion of those New York Times readers and, in my personal observation, was too patriotic to go full, manly man authoritarian. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English manli "befitting a man, bravely, resolutely, courteously," going back to Old English manliche, from man man entry 1 + -liche -ly entry 2

Adjective

Middle English manli "human, male, brave, resolute, noble," from man man entry 1 + -li -ly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

manly

adjective

man·​ly

ˈman-lē

manlier; manliest

1

: having qualities usually expected of a man : strong

2

: appropriate in character to a man

manly sports

manliness noun