masculinity

noun

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

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.
Men need to see role models who are healing from trauma and are actively challenging the ideals of toxic masculinity that perpetuate cycles of violence. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 Cory Balrog, who worked on seven God of War games, starting as lead animator and eventually becoming game and creative director of the last two entries, respectively, has spoken at length in interviews about toxic masculinity and why Kratos was overdue for a change of heart. Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025 What unfolds is a two-person dialogue on the subject of fragile masculinity. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 Normalizing emotional vulnerability and seeking help among men without fear of judgment or loss of masculinity is an essential step in reframing the conversation. Essence, 22 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Masculinity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masculinity. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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 femininityPsychological Abstracts

More from Merriam-Webster on masculinity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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