virility

[ vuh-ril-i-tee ]

/ vəˈrɪl ɪ ti /

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See synonyms for virility on Thesaurus.com

Definition of virility

noun

the state or quality of being virile; manly character, vigor, or spirit; masculinity.

the power of procreation.

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Origin of virility

1580–90; <Latin virīlitās, equivalent to virīli(s) virile + -tās-ty²

OTHER WORDS FROM virility

non·vi·ril·i·ty, nounul·tra·vi·ril·i·ty, noun

Words nearby virility

viridescent, viridian, viridity, virile, virilism, virility, virilization, virilocal, virino, virion, virl

How to use virility in a sentence

If you absolutely can’t control your virility then yes, slip into your shorts.
Do I Need to Wear a Swimsuit in a Backcountry Hot Spring?|mskenazy|November 19, 2021|Outside Online
Together, these mishaps cause Larry’s new girlfriend Lucy Liu to suspect that he’s getting a little long in the tooth—and, as a result, that’s he’s lost his virility.
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ Takes on Pandemic Hoarders (and Netflix) in Larry David’s Glorious Return to TV|Nick Schager|October 25, 2021|The Daily Beast
Thus, the understanding that dark skin was associated with masculinity and virility emerged from this broader dialogue involving both racialized and gendered identities.
Anti-Blackness and transphobia are older than we thought|Roland Betancourt|June 16, 2021|Washington Post
After years of virility, their efforts may just prove impotent.
Can Germany Lead Without Merkel?|Nick Fouriezos|April 14, 2021|Ozy

At his 1841 inauguration, Harrison tried to show off his virility by giving a two-hour speech without a coat, hat or gloves despite a cold snap.
From Wuhan Virus to Washington Virus|Daniel Malloy|October 4, 2020|Ozy
The reason, Foster argues, is that impotence implies a lack of virility, a lack of manliness.
What the Sex Lives of the Founding Fathers Reveal About Us|Eric Herschthal|February 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Predictably then, if oddly too, this man's very existence had become a test of Indian virility.
India’s Twisted Conscience on Terrorism|Dilip D’Souza|February 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It is the cornea—the last redoubt of virility and independence.
Found: Rand Paul's Secret Papers|Kent Sepkowitz|June 21, 2010|DAILY BEAST
None of this feared Republican virility is any more real than the charge that the GOP manufactured the Turfers.
The GOP Freak Show|John Batchelor|August 7, 2009|DAILY BEAST
It cannot be too strongly condemned, for its introduction robs the reeds of their characteristic virility of tone.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building|George Laing Miller
It remained in his a fraction of a second longer than he had expected, and gripped him with a virility that was surprising.
Masterpieces of Mystery, Vol. 1 (of 4)|Various
And on his own merits the virility and good looks of him drew her admiration.
The Highgrader|William MacLeod Raine
Their application is not always clear, but they are nearly always indicative of the virility which characterized the old printers.
Printers' Marks|William Roberts
As he sat there musing, his virility and iron figure gave him rather the appearance of the soldier than the emperor.
Under the Rose|Frederic Stewart Isham