femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfe-mə-ˈni-nə-tē How to pronounce femininity (audio)
Synonyms of femininitynext
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 femininityTheodore Dreiser

Synonyms of femininity

Examples of femininity in a Sentence

national costumes that accent masculinity and femininity
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.
Scholars have documented how lighter skin tones and features perceived as closer to Eurocentric beauty standards may influence perceptions of desirability, femininity, professionalism, and trustworthiness. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Made from the brand’s best-selling breathable linen, the set is cool and casual, with an air of fancy femininity thanks to the stylish scallop detailing along the top’s cut-away front and the shorts’ hem. Morgan Evans, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026 In a collaboration with Uniqlo, Cecilie Bahnsen’s signature puff sleeves, romantic silhouettes, and storybook femininity have been translated into the sort of pieces people might actually wear outside of Copenhagen Fashion Week. Air Mail, 23 May 2026 These coquette baby names evoke whimsy and femininity similar to the cottage core trend—but boys names can be coquette too. Kara Nesvig, Parents, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for femininity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of femininity was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Femininity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/femininity. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

femininity

noun
fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfem-ə-ˈnin-ət-ē How to pronounce femininity (audio)
plural femininities
: the quality or nature of the female sex

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