manhood

noun

man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
Synonyms of manhoodnext
1
: the condition of being a human being
2
: qualities associated with men : manliness
3
: the condition of being an adult male as distinguished from a child or female
4
: adult males : men
5
: penis

Synonyms of manhood

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Examples of manhood in a Sentence

He took the comment as a challenge to his manhood. He grew from boyhood to manhood in a small southern town. the manhood of a nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Parker is perpetually just on the verge of manhood — youthful, optimistic, with a somewhat innocent boyish sense of romance. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026 Adam Stanaland, a psychology professor at the University of Richmond, told me that what’s concerning is when insecure men feel pressured to validate their manhood by harming others. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Unlike Hegseth’s story that manhood is a chemical to be topped off, research shows that while hormones may open a window, the social environment decides what comes through. — Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 20 July 2026 Bootycandy is a series of comedic scenes primarily following the character of Sutter, a gay Black man growing from adolescence to manhood. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manhood

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of manhood was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing manhood

Rhymes for manhood

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Browse Nearby Words

manhole
manhood
manhood suffrage
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Cite this Entry

“Manhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manhood. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

manhood

noun
man·​hood ˈman-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce manhood (audio)
1
: courage, manliness
2
: the condition of being an adult male
3
: adult human males
the manhood of a nation

More from Merriam-Webster on manhood

Nglish: Translation of manhood for Spanish Speakers

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