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.

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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

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Synonym Usage

See male.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Explanation

If something’s masculine, it’s related to men. When you hear a masculine voice outside greeting your neighbor, you know it’s your dad and not your mom. Masculine can describe people or things that have qualities often associated with men. If someone has a masculine appearance, the person is probably tall and strong. If your new jacket has masculine tailoring, that means it’s cut like a man’s jacket. Masculine can also refer to words. In many languages, words — especially nouns — are given a gender. If you’ve studied French or Spanish, you know you need to figure out which article to use with a masculine noun.

Example Sentences

"Americans historically have wanted masculine presidents, vigorous presidents," said Dr Matt Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

“All of our definitions about masculine and feminine are evolving … It doesn’t necessarily have to be only for a man. I really like that idea, particularly as the definitions of masculinity are in transition.”

From Salon • May 27, 2026

As the Royal Pop is on a lanyard, it manages to evoke both a traditional masculine pocket watch and a fashion accessory that can be hung from a handbag.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"He kind of just fit a masculine action-star stereotype... I'm pretty much positive none of us could name a movie he'd been in."

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

If you want to avoid the masculine but hate the clunky his or her alternative, don’t resort to the plural.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

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