mannerism

noun

man·​ner·​ism ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
1
a
: exaggerated or affected (see affected entry 2 sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity
refined almost to the point of mannerismWinthrop Sargeant
b
often capitalized : an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
mannerist noun or adjective
manneristic adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for mannerism

pose, air, airs, affectation, mannerism mean an adopted way of speaking or behaving.

pose implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

her shyness was just a pose

air may suggest natural acquirement through environment or way of life.

a traveler's sophisticated air

airs always implies artificiality and pretentiousness.

snobbish airs

affectation applies to a trick of speech or behavior that strikes the observer as insincere.

the posh accent is an affectation

mannerism applies to an acquired eccentricity that has become a habit.

gesturing with a cigarette was her most noticeable mannerism

Examples of mannerism in a Sentence

The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly. quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes
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.
Stewart did admit that Reynolds knows how to adopt funny mannerisms in his work, though. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024 In the years since, the site has taken on the mannerisms of establishment food media, in which editorial content is pushed to the fore. Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024 Wilson and Sheen are pretty exacting in their attention to their characters’ mannerisms and the intonations of their voices. Jack King, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 Teri Garr, Tootsie and Young Frankenstein Star, Dies at 79 As Buffay makes the realization, the laughs start, as Abbott shares the same quirky mannerisms as her daughter. Dory Jackson, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mannerism 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mannerism was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near mannerism

Cite this Entry

“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
: a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting
the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses

Medical Definition

mannerism

noun
man·​ner·​ism ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce mannerism (audio)
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
especially : any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly

More from Merriam-Webster on mannerism

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