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
The episode functions almost as a mirror to the original series, which rooted its main conflict in Hank’s very traditional vision of masculinity and his difficulty relating to his son’s interests.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
His brand ambassadors represent a range of identities and body types that reflect the full spectrum of masculinity.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
The geographical and generational gap was a convenient shorthand for exploring versions of masculinity.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 27 July 2025
The series sparked an ongoing conversation about social media, toxic masculinity, and boyhood.
—Parents Editors, Parents, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
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.
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
His brand ambassadors represent a range of identities and body types that reflect the full spectrum of masculinity.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025
The geographical and generational gap was a convenient shorthand for exploring versions of masculinity.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 27 July 2025
The series sparked an ongoing conversation about social media, toxic masculinity, and boyhood.
—Parents Editors, Parents, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for masculinity
Cite this Entry
“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 9 Aug. 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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share