virile

adjective

vir·​ile ˈvir-əl  ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l 

 British also  ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l

1

a

: having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree

b

: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine

2

: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male

specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

3

: energetic, vigorous

4

: masterful, forceful

virilely adverb

Synonyms

• male
• man-size
• man-sized
• manlike
• manly
• mannish
• masculine

Examples of virile in a Sentence

men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting

Recent Examples on the Web

New cassette players are being manufactured and competition is virile, musicians are releasing more and more records on the format and Amazon is selling old cassettes like a bumper crop. —Spin Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024

While a tabloid scandal and a terrorist plot don’t seem like fuel for a winning Oscar campaign, all of it contributed to Crowe’s image as a throwback to the days when Hollywood leading men were virile and larger than life. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024

And John himself is a strong, virile man willing to take control of any situation. —William Earl, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024

As Henry, Damien Lewis is especially virile if privately conflicted and a sentimental drunk. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

virile

adjective

vir·​ile ˈvir-əl  ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl 

1

a

: having the nature, powers, or qualities of an adult male : masculine

b

: having traditionally masculine qualities especially to a noticeable degree

2

a

: vigorous sense 1, energetic

b

: masterful sense 1, forceful

Etymology

from early French viril "having the qualities of a man," from Latin virilis (same meaning), from vir "man, male" — related to virtue

Medical Definition

virile

adjective

vir·​ile

ˈvir-əl, ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl, British also ˈvī(ə)r-ˌīl

1

: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male

specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

2

: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine