manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
1
: the condition of being a human being
2
: qualities associated with men : manliness
3
: the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female
4
: adult males : men
5
: penis

Examples of manhood in a Sentence

He took the comment as a challenge to his manhood. He grew from boyhood to manhood in a small southern town. the manhood of a nation
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.
The intersection of toxic masculinity (i.e., loss of their virginity is a rite of passage into manhood) and adultification (i.e., viewing and treating Black boys as men) perpetuates early sexualization and hypersexualization of Black boys. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 The 29-year-old original poster (OP) described on Reddit this week a family gathering where her three brothers—who view physical dominance as a key measure of manhood—challenged him to a wrestling match after making dismissive remarks about his masculinity. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 This aggressive measure was taken when it was discovered that Schmitt’s religious beliefs regarding manhood and womanhood conflict with the secular creed of the state. Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Flaherty emphasized the rituals that precede a pubescent boy’s manhood — hunting, survival skills, and an elaborately detailed tattooing ceremony. Armond White, National Review, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for manhood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhood was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Manhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhood. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

manhood

noun
man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
1
2
: the condition of being an adult male
3
: adult human males
the manhood of a nation

More from Merriam-Webster on manhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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