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

The hybrid pieces where wardrobe classics like denim, outerwear and tailored jackets are reimagined with a touch of assertiveness and femininity, according to Dojaka, are picking up momentum among buyers. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024

This lightweight, trendy jacket adds an element of fun and femininity to any basic outfit. —Molly Menning, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2024

Miuccia Prada’s long-standing love for ribbon is well documented at her other brand, Miu Miu, where inventive references to ballet and femininity are often the undercurrent of each collection. —Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

Her designs, featuring elements from American folklore and symbols of female empowerment, reflected a deep cultural commentary that disrupted traditional expectations of femininity. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 11 Sep. 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