Usage
What does cuckoldry mean? Cuckold is an insulting term for a husband whose spouse has had a sexual affair. Cuckoldry can mean one of two things: the act of making man a cuckold (by having an affair with his spouse), or the state of being a cuckold.Cuckold and cuckoldry are applied only to men. Both terms are intended to be insulting and shameful to the man they are applied to. Cuckoldry is sometimes also used to describe behaviors of animals—which is perhaps the only way it or cuckold can be used that’s not offensive.
Etymology
Origin of cuckoldry
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The idea that evolution encourages women to engage in cyclical cuckoldry was certainly an intriguing one.
From Economist
“Too hot, too hot,” he hisses, mistaking innocent affection for cuckoldry.
From Seattle Times
Dr. Larmuseau and other scientists developed other methods to get an unbiased look at cuckoldry.
From New York Times
As a result, males often end up raising other males’ offspring—a phenomenon evolutionary biologists call cuckoldry.
In a family clucking over his cuckoldry, solitude is the only solace.
From Time
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
