masculine

American  

[mas-kyuh-lin] / ˈmæs kyə lɪn /

adjective

1. pertaining to or characteristic of a man or men.

   masculine attire.

2. having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength and boldness.

   Synonyms:

   manly

3. Grammar. noting or pertaining to the gender of Latin, Greek, German, French, Spanish, Hebrew, etc., which has among its members most nouns referring to males, as well as other nouns, as Spanish dedo, “finger,” German Bleistift, “pencil.”

4. (of a woman) mannish.

---

noun

Grammar.

1. the masculine gender.

2. a noun or other element in or marking that gender.

masculine British  

/ ˈmæskjʊlɪn /

adjective

1. possessing qualities or characteristics considered typical of or appropriate to a man; manly

2. unwomanly

3. grammar

   1. denoting a gender of nouns, occurring in many inflected languages, that includes all kinds of referents as well as some male animate referents

   2. ( as noun )

      German ``Weg'' is a masculine

---

Related Words

See male.

Other Word Forms

• hypermasculine adjective
• hypermasculinely adverb
• hypermasculineness noun
• hypermasculinity noun
• masculinely adverb
• masculineness noun
• masculinity noun
• nonmasculine adjective
• nonmasculinely adverb
• nonmasculineness noun
• nonmasculinity noun
• pseudomasculine adjective
• supermasculine adjective
• supermasculinity noun
• ultramasculine adjective
• unmasculine adjective
• unmasculinely adverb

Etymology

Origin of masculine

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English masculin, from Latin masculīnus, equivalent to mascul(us) “male” ( mās “male” + -culus -cule ¹ ) + -īnus -ine ¹

Example Sentences

The mild-mannered yet imposingly masculine Andrew is quietly appealing as he deals with his erratic wife’s sudden tantrums and plate-shattering outbursts.

From The Wall Street Journal

And this is in Mary Shelley’s text about the feminine and the masculine and those warring kind of energies.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Bhagwandas said younger generations faced less stigma than previous generations, when body hair was often labelled "masculine" or "unfeminine".

From BBC

The dark wood paneling, sparkling chandeliers, and patterned carpets were as luxurious as one would find in any fine house, but there was a subtle, masculine difference in the feeling of the place.

From Literature

His designs promoted a glamorous aesthetic credited with expressing strength and independence for women -- and overturned masculine stereotypes with low necklines and sequins for men.

From Barron's

Related Words

• macho
• male
• manful
• manlike
• manly
• virile