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
Stuart KeateThe man controlling his environment is today the prevailing American image of masculinity.—Susan Faludi
Susan FaludiExamples of masculinity in a Sentence
some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
According to this theory, traditional notions of masculinity are associated with the pursuit of goals, competition and personal achievement, while femininity is associated with affiliative goals, social orientation, and a desire for connection.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
But Clay is too uncomfortable in his own skin — in all senses — and uncertain of his cracking masculinity to even consider the impulse or act on it confidently.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
That same passion for justice has inspired her to write novels and screenplays about women with strong moral compasses who fight for what’s right against corporate greed, right-wing environmental forces, unjust legal prosecutions, and toxic masculinity.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
His masculinity, though less volatile, is as stunted as Stanley’s.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
But Clay is too uncomfortable in his own skin — in all senses — and uncertain of his cracking masculinity to even consider the impulse or act on it confidently.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
That same passion for justice has inspired her to write novels and screenplays about women with strong moral compasses who fight for what’s right against corporate greed, right-wing environmental forces, unjust legal prosecutions, and toxic masculinity.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
His masculinity, though less volatile, is as stunted as Stanley’s.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Articles Related to masculinity
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Psychological AbstractsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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