effeminacy
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of effeminacy
First recorded in 1595–1605; effemin(ate) + -acy
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.
Dandyism’s persistent associations with criminality, effeminacy and homosexuality would achieve notoriety in Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trials.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
This was defined by a cultivated or performed effeminacy, including make-up, falsetto, and the use of "camp names" and female pronouns.
From Salon ● Feb. 19, 2022
“Well-meaning, intelligent straight people”: For Outward’s Radical issue, Alex Borinsky writes that there’s more to camp and swish and effeminacy than meets the eye.
From Slate ● Oct. 31, 2018
And what is wrong with effeminacy to begin with?
From The Guardian ● May 7, 2016
I quitted a life of sloth, effeminacy, and bondage, for one of ease, freedom, and activity.
From The Gipsy (Vols I & II) A Tale by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
