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.
They were incorporated into America’s often confused sense of itself as a nation built upon red-blooded masculinity and upon high-minded righteousness. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 The right, meanwhile, responded with reactionary gender politics, accusing the left of trying to destroy traditional masculinity entirely. Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 Between shocking personal revelations, examinations of the artist’s innermost fears, and carefree displays of affluence and mic technique, an image of reactionary modern masculinity emerges. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024 Mike slowly starts to earn the respect of his much younger teammates, ultimately leading him on a journey to address his masculinity and resolve his generational trauma put upon by his father, while also addressing his strained relationship with his son. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near masculinity

Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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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