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

• maleness
• manhood
• manliness
• virility
• machismo

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe masculinity still does mean taking care of and protecting your partner, being the breadwinner and remaining stoic all the same. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Tate, meanwhile, is a former professional kickboxer who amassed millions of followers on social media while pushing his polarizing brand of far-right toxic masculinity. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025

Social media influencers are pressuring boys with harmful messages that equate masculinity with extreme muscle growth and testosterone use. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025

But most of all, there was his proposition of a new masculinity. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 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