adjective
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possessing qualities, such as vigour or courage, generally regarded as appropriate to or typical of a man; masculine
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characteristic of or befitting a man
a manly sport
Usage
What does manly mean? Manly means having qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage or strength. Manly is typically used to describe a man who has qualities (or who display qualities) that are generally considered to be characteristic of a man or manhood, as in He was dressed as a manly lumberjack with a thick beard and big muscles. It can also be used to describe things that involve, are intended for, are popular among, or are thought to be appropriate for men, as in My grandfather enjoyed manly hobbies like hunting. Of course, all of these associations are based on gender stereotypes that are often sexist and exclusionary. Manly implies qualities, attributes, and interests that are not exclusive to men, and that do not apply to every man. Anyone can be courageous and strong. Anyone can be good at and enjoy sports or outdoor activities. For these reasons, many people avoid using adjectives like manly and object to their use. Example: He calls himself a manly man who enjoys manly things like powerlifting and beef stew.
Synonym Usage
Manly, manful, mannish mean having the traits or qualities that a culture regards as especially characteristic of or ideally appropriate to adult men. Manly is usually a term of approval, suggesting traits admired by society, such as determination, decisiveness, and steadiness: a manly acceptance of the facts; manly firmness of character. Manful, also a term of approval, stresses qualities such as courage, strength, and fortitude: a manful effort to overcome great odds. Mannish is most often used derogatorily in reference to the traits, manners, or accouterments of a woman that are thought to be more appropriate to or typical of a man: a mannish abruptness in her speech; She wore a severely mannish suit. See also male.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of manly
before 900; Middle English (adj., adv.); Old English manlīc (adj.), manlīce (adv.). See man, -ly
Explanation
Someone who's manly acts in a typically masculine way. If you live in a log cabin, split your own wood, and occasionally scare away bears, go ahead and call yourself manly. Manly attributes are usually heroic ones like bravery and strength. Despite the fact that many women also have these characteristics, it's still common to describe them as manly. Manly activities might include fishing, hunting, and other rugged, outdoorsy sports. In the thirteenth century, this adjective simply meant "characteristic of a human."
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.
Manly Mando thwacks and snicks his way through all opponents while scarcely breaking a sweat.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
A man was taken to hospital in critical condition after being injured at Manly beach on Monday evening, New South Wales Police said in a statement.
From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026
But a November of record rainfall has brought the ancient lake, known as Lake Manly, back to life.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025
She had a spell playing in Iceland before returning to Canberra, then played briefly for Manly United prior to a move to A-League Women side Melbourne in 2023.
From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025
Dad and I did end up spending hours swimming at the Manly Baths, the Wynnum Wading Pool, and Caloundra, but most of it was building on the basics I had already learned.
From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge
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.
