mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm 
1
a
: exaggerated or affected (see affected entry 2 sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity
… refined almost to the point of mannerism.—
Winthrop Sargeant
Winthrop Sargeant
b
often Mannerism
: an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
Examples of mannerism in a Sentence
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes
Recent Examples on the Web
At least those visual mannerisms and tropes are pretty much universal, baked into the DNA of TV casting-and-talent shows worldwide.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Bouteraa plays Lilia with restrained mannerisms, but an avalanche of emotion in her face.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Their clothing, gait and small details such as mannerisms can give a person away.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
That process began by Pidgeon working closely with the movement coach Julia Crockett to get some of her mannerisms down.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
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Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Bouteraa plays Lilia with restrained mannerisms, but an avalanche of emotion in her face.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Their clothing, gait and small details such as mannerisms can give a person away.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
That process began by Pidgeon working closely with the movement coach Julia Crockett to get some of her mannerisms down.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Cite this Entry
“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting
the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses
Medical Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
especially
: any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly
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