masculinity
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Explanation
Masculinity is the quality of manliness — habits and traits that society considers to be appropriate for a man. While certain jobs and professions have traditionally been associated with masculinity, like the military and firefighting, for example, these associations have begun to change as more women have pursued those types of careers. Some typical traits of masculinity include physical strength, a muscular body, and facial hair. The Latin root of masculinity is masculinus, "male," which comes from masculus, or "worthy of a male."
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 looks-focused trend promotes a narrow and idealized version of masculinity with specific physical traits.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
For Oakley, being a drag king is about challenging masculinity rather than impersonating someone, which is what older male impersonators have traditionally done.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
Content producer Blair R. Minton posted a thoughtful video commentary on the type of hive mind masculinity aligning against Megan.
From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026
He knows they live online, and says it is important he uses his platform to "flood" those spaces with content that could shake up perceptions of mainstream masculinity.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
Societies attribute masculinity to different genres of music, instruments, and what musicians should look like when performing.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
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.
