virile

adjective

vir·​ile ˈvir-əl How to pronounce virile (audio) ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l How to pronounce virile (audio)
 British also  ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l
1
a
: having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree
b
: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine
2
: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male
specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation
3
4
virilely adverb

Examples of virile in a Sentence

men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting
Recent Examples on the Web Pitt’s sculpted physique remains a fitness ideal, and his virile performance is worshiped by pickup artists and incels. Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024 None of the show would carry the same effervescence without Armstrong, who at 52 years old is as virile and agile as ever. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024 Judging by the sporting photos on his campaign website, Kennedy would like to be seen as the virile, athletic and spry choice for the White House. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024 Or was he seduced by his masculine prowess and virile confidence? Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for virile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'virile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of virile was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near virile

Cite this Entry

“Virile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virile. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

virile

adjective
1
a
: having the nature, powers, or qualities of an adult male : masculine
b
: having traditionally masculine qualities especially to a noticeable degree
2
Etymology

from early French viril "having the qualities of a man," from Latin virilis (same meaning), from vir "man, male" — related to virtue

Medical Definition

virile

adjective
vir·​ile
ˈvir-əl, ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl, British also ˈvī(ə)r-ˌīl
1
: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male
specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation
2
: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine

More from Merriam-Webster on virile

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