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

His rise began with the 2016 toxic masculinity hazing drama Goat. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 June 2025

Touch is fundamental to human development, but gendered expectations around masculinity tend to strip positive touch out of some boys' lives. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 29 May 2025

Instead of being a vaguely fascist aryan masculinity cult like the iconic Cobra Kai, Connor’s dojo is run by mobsters and loan sharks. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 May 2025

However, both rejected their violent Roman masculinity in favor of Christian pacifism. —Sarah Barringer, The Conversation, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing masculinity

• hyper-masculinity

Rhymes for masculinity

• alkalinity
• consanguinity
• crystallinity
• femininity
• affinity
• divinity
• infinity
• salinity
• vicinity
• virginity

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