manhood

[ man-hood ]

noun

1. the state or time of being a man or adult male person; male maturity.
2. traditional manly qualities.
3. maleness, as distinguished from femaleness.
4. virility; potency.
5. male genitalia.
6. men collectively.
7. the state of being human.

manhood

/ ˈmænhʊd /

noun

1. the state or quality of being a man or being manly
2. men collectively
3. archaic.
   the state of being human
4. informal.
   a euphemism for a man's genitalia

Other Words From

• pre·manhood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of manhood¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; man, -hood

Example Sentences

Trump ally and fellow Hitler-praiser Nick Fuentes illustrated this "childish kings" view of manhood in a nutshell in a recent tweet: "If Trump loses, blame women."

From Salon

Claims of manhood disappearances are not uncommon in some parts of West Africa.

From BBC

It’s important to acknowledge that many men and young men are struggling, in many ways because the old definitions of “manhood” no longer work — if they ever did.

From Salon

Bulls are a symbol of virility and manhood in Hispanic culture, and the Bull — thick-built, hard-charging, yet graceful in his attack — manifested that fearsome animal through most of his career with the Blue Crew.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, in a sit-down interview with wrestler-turned-media-personality Tyrus, the former president warned listeners that manhood was under attack and religion was being mocked in the US.

From BBC

Related Words

• adulthood
• boldness
• bravery
• courage
• fortitude
• masculinity
• mettle
• nobility
• potency
• virility