masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē 

: the quality or nature of the male sex : the quality, state, or degree of being masculine or manly

challenging traditional notions about masculinity and femininity

… a style which alternates between a polished grace and blunt masculinity.

—Stuart Keate

The man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.

—Susan Faludi

Synonyms

• machismo
• macho
• manhood
• manliness
• virility

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

Black and Latino men, in particular, have been somewhat susceptible to this because masculinity, strength, being able to provide for one's family, and the like are all highly valued in these populations. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

Flashback: Trump and Obama's divergent views of masculinity were molded by their upbringings. —Alex Thompson, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

Essence Senior Editor Kimberly Wilson was joined by: Kimya Motley, survivor and chief communications officer of A Call to Men, an organization that promotes healthy, respectful masculinity. —Essence, 31 Oct. 2024

In this pivotal election year, however, no demographic can escape the war between conflicting visions of masculinity in the political arena. —Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masculinity

• hyper-masculinity

Medical Definition

masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

plural masculinities

: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine

measurement of masculinity or femininity

—Psychological Abstracts