femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfe-mə-ˈni-nə-tē 

1

: the quality or nature of the female sex : the quality, state, or degree of being feminine or womanly

challenging traditional notions about femininity and masculinity

… the women were visions of powerful femininity.

—Alan Shipnuck

2

: woman, womankind

… he was now to contrast her sharply with the best of what the Old World had to offer in the matter of femininity …

—Theodore Dreiser

Synonyms

• feminity
• muliebrity
• womanhood
• womanishness
• womanliness

Examples of femininity in a Sentence

national costumes that accent masculinity and femininity

Recent Examples on the Web

This embrace of all aspects of femininity is what makes Grenada’s Spicemas unique. —Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024

Her performances have retained their sexiness while shedding the obvious markers of femininity. —Coralie Kraft, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2024

The fall/winter collections showcased a mature sense of femininity, punctuated by unfussy, yet pragmatic qualities. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

This balance between airy florals and rich base notes creates a scent that’s both elegant and sensual – a perfect embodiment of modern femininity. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing femininity

• hyper-femininity

Medical Definition

femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfem-ə-ˈnin-ət-ē 

plural femininities

: the quality or nature of the female sex