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Synonyms

mannish

American  
[man-ish] / ˈmæn ɪʃ /

adjective

  1. being typical or suggestive of a man rather than a woman.

    mannish clothing styles for women; a mannish voice.

  2. resembling a man, as in size or manner.

    a mannish youth.


mannish British  
/ ˈmænɪʃ /

adjective

  1. (of a woman) having or displaying qualities regarded as typical of a man

  2. of or resembling a man

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See manly.

Other Word Forms

  • mannishly adverb
  • mannishness noun
  • unmannish adjective
  • unmannishly adverb
  • unmannishness noun

Etymology

Origin of mannish

First recorded before 900; Middle English; replacing Middle English mennish, Old English mennisc; man, -ish 1

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.

I flashed also on Ole Golly in “Harriet the Spy,” with her somewhat mannish affect, militaristic walk in clunky shoes and straight talk.

From New York Times • Dec. 15, 2021

Other times, sporting short black hair and wearing a mannish shirt, she recalls Jane Birkin.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2020

“She was wearing a mannish white shirt and white trousers and black Birkenstocks,” Sheffman wistfully recalls.

From Washington Post • Jul. 19, 2018

The outfits were finished off with mannish brogue shoes or furry flat slippers.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2018

Momma’s hand tightened and let go, and I saw the small figure plodding along, tired and old- mannish.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou