masculine

[mas-kyuh-lin]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of masculine¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of masculine¹

C14: via French from Latin masculīnus, from masculus male, from mās a male

Synonym Study

See male.

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Barron's

A masculine girl or feminine boy may now be labeled as “trans.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Beside this rise, she’s faced a newfound pressure to dress a way she normally wouldn’t, a beauty standard her masculine counterparts don’t face.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The natural choice here would be “The Man,” another song wherein Swift adopts a masculine persona to prove just what a boss she is.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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