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

The role nonetheless required Gascón to call upon a memory of masculinity. —Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025

Today, these content creators reflect a generation of men who pushing the boundaries of masculinity. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025

This layered adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel is an incendiary study on consumerism and masculinity with one hell of a twist ending. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

Their romances tend to be defined by toxic masculinity, indulging in fantasies of brooding, and sometimes violent men being drawn to unassuming, often overlooked women. —Josh Bell, Vulture, 27 Dec. 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