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.
“Real men are secure enough in their masculinity that they can, in fact, change diapers and stay home with their children and be active parents.”
From Salon • May 15, 2026
The looks-focused trend promotes a narrow and idealized version of masculinity with specific physical traits.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 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
Self-proclaimed "healthmaxxer" influencer Steven Abelman says masculinity, rather than looks alone, is the focus of his content, which promotes strict diet, sleep schedules and exercise regimes.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
At my great-uncle’s funeral I secretly tested out feeling glad that he was dead—the six-foot bearish masculinity of him.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
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.