ef·fem·i·nate
ə-ˈfe-mə-nət 
1
: having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner
2
: marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement
effeminate art
an effeminate civilization
: an effeminate person
Synonyms
Examples of effeminate in a Sentence
Adjective
He had a high and somewhat effeminate voice.
he had a high and somewhat effeminate voice
Recent Examples on the Web
Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
But worry not: Once it’s done poking fun at an effeminate male stereotype, the script swoops in with a cautious coming-out monologue perfectly tailored to generate a fresh round of headlines celebrating and/or criticizing Disney’s latest LGBTQ milestone.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2021
Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 June 2024
The Secret of the River, out October 9 on Netflix, tells the story of an effeminate, sensitive yet brazen boy named Manuel (played by Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas), who is forced to move in with his grandmother in Oaxaca while his mother is being treated for cancer.
—Juan Velasquez, Them, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for effeminate 
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Adjective
In both sketches, Keaton plays an effeminate man who doesn’t quite understand the assignment.
—Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
But worry not: Once it’s done poking fun at an effeminate male stereotype, the script swoops in with a cautious coming-out monologue perfectly tailored to generate a fresh round of headlines celebrating and/or criticizing Disney’s latest LGBTQ milestone.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2021
Noun
An effeminate, cross-dressing serial killer who murders women staying at his hotel — and gets into arguments with the skeleton of his dead mother — Norman Bates may have been in the closet, but the walls were definitely made of glass.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 12 June 2024
The Secret of the River, out October 9 on Netflix, tells the story of an effeminate, sensitive yet brazen boy named Manuel (played by Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas), who is forced to move in with his grandmother in Oaxaca while his mother is being treated for cancer.
—Juan Velasquez, Them, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for effeminate
Cite this Entry
“Effeminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effeminate. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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