virility

noun

vi·​ril·​i·​ty və-ˈri-lə-tē 

 British also  vī-

: the quality or state of being virile:

a

: manhood sense 3

b

: manly vigor : masculinity

Did you know?

Luckily, there's no doubt about what virility is, since it's depicted on the covers of dozens of new romance novels every month! A masterful and dominating manner, a splendid bared chest, a full head of lustrous hair, and an array of stunning costumes seem to be what's required. (Virile traits often missing in these men are hair on the chest and any hint of future baldness.) High-school football provides a showplace for demonstrations of adolescent virility, and for years afterward virile high-school players can keep using football language in their business life: "get to the red zone", "Hail Mary pass", "move the ball", and on and on.

Synonyms

• masculinity

Examples of virility in a Sentence

many cultures value virility as a sign of power

Recent Examples on the Web

Beards emerged as legible emblems of male virility and authority just as women began demanding the vote. —Book Marks august 1, Literary Hub, 1 Aug. 2025

Historically, mustaches have symbolized virility and toughness. —Claire Murashima, NPR, 2 July 2025

This emphasis on women’s bodies and behaviors is especially conspicuous amid a broader cultural preoccupation with male virility. —Lucy Tu, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025

This and That • If the pissing in his tight pants escapade wasn’t enough of a sign, Harry’s worried about what growing older will do to his virility. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for virility

• ability
• agility
• civility
• debility
• docility
• ductility
• facility
• fertility
• fragility
• futility
• gentility
• hostility

Kids Definition

virility

noun

vi·​ril·​i·​ty və-ˈril-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being virile

Medical Definition

virility

noun

vi·​ril·​i·​ty

və-ˈril-ət-ē, British also vī-

plural virilities

: the quality or state of being virile: as

a

: the period of developed manhood

b

: the capacity to function as a male in copulation