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

This clear response to institutional wokeness and collapse must compel conservatives to offer these voters an image of productive masculinity. —Michael Ginsberg, National Review, 30 Nov. 2024

Throughout the project, traditional depictions of masculinity are subverted to surprising effect. —M. Z. Adnan, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2024

Rather than undermining right-wing movements, the contradictions of masculinity in Weimar and Nazi Germany upheld them. —Christopher Ewing / Made By History, TIME, 20 Nov. 2024

With his view of male masculinity, is there any wonder why Trump is so attracted to Vladimir Putin and other world dictators? —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 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