masculinity

noun

mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌma-skyə-ˈli-nə-tē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
: 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

Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Black and Latino men, in particular, have been somewhat susceptible to this because masculinity, strength, being able to provide for one's family, and the like are all highly valued in these populations. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Flashback: Trump and Obama's divergent views of masculinity were molded by their upbringings. Alex Thompson, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Essence Senior Editor Kimberly Wilson was joined by: Kimya Motley, survivor and chief communications officer of A Call to Men, an organization that promotes healthy, respectful masculinity. Essence, 31 Oct. 2024 In this pivotal election year, however, no demographic can escape the war between conflicting visions of masculinity in the political arena. Judy Berman, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for masculinity 

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of masculinity was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near masculinity

Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

masculinity

noun
mas·​cu·​lin·​i·​ty ˌmas-kyə-ˈlin-ət-ē How to pronounce masculinity (audio)
plural masculinities
: the quality, state, or degree of being masculine
measurement of masculinity or femininityPsychological Abstracts

More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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