masculinity

noun

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

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Examples of masculinity in a Sentence

some men believe that wearing pink would undermine their masculinity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thankfully, the obsession over toxic masculinity remains a minority view. — Luka Ladan, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Featuring collaborations with Lana Del Rey and Turnpike Troubadours, the new EP finds the country artist exploring everything from technology to masculinity. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026 From men wearing pink to push back against the pressures of toxic masculinity to women pushing back against unrealistic body standards, pink has become a color of defiant empathy. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Sex Ed for Guys, a Tik Tok project created by Colby College students, addresses everything from consent and dating to healthy masculinity. — Katie Hurley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing masculinity

Rhymes for masculinity

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Browse Nearby Words

masculinist
masculinity
masculinization
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Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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 femininity—Psychological Abstracts
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