manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

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

Synonyms

• machismo
• macho
• manliness
• masculinity
• virility

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

Dark and brilliantly written, this show unpacks the complexities of humanity and manhood and how the rise of the manosphere has so eerily and quickly permeated itself into the lives of young people through social media. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025

All men are caught in the crossfire, questioning their own role in society and manhood. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

But there’s nothing truly masculine about these brutish low-lifes who oppose everything that makes for responsible manhood. —The Editors, National Review, 3 Mar. 2025

The myth of the cowboy has played a significant part in shaping an ideal of Western manhood, but in a time of growing tensions between traditional values and modern viewpoints, there is a challenge to that classic representations of masculinity. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing manhood

• prove one's manhood

Rhymes for manhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• childhood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood

Kids Definition

manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d 

1

: courage, manliness

2

: the condition of being an adult male

3

: adult human males

the manhood of a nation