# manhood

/ˈmænˌhʊd/ (US) · /mˈænhʊd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manhood
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. adulthood for males

noun · CEFR B2

the time or state of being an adult man rather than a boy.

For teachers: the state or period of being an adult male, typically following puberty or a rite of passage.

- He felt he had finally reached manhood when he started his first full-time job.
- In many traditional cultures, young males must complete specific trials to prove they have transitioned from childhood into full manhood.

### 2. masculine qualities

noun · CEFR B2

the qualities that people traditionally think a man should have, like strength or courage.

For teachers: the set of traditional or idealized characteristics associated with being a man.

- The old stories often focused on bravery as the most important part of manhood.
- Modern sociological studies often examine how the traditional concept of manhood has evolved to include emotional vulnerability and domestic participation.

### 3. men collectively

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

all the men in a particular place or group.

For teachers: men regarded collectively, often within a specific nation, ethnicity, or social group.

- The king called upon the manhood of the country to defend the borders.
- The war had a devastating effect on the nation, depleting the young manhood of an entire generation within just four years.

### 4. male genitalia

noun · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Informal

a polite or indirect way to talk about a man's private parts.

For teachers: a euphemistic reference to the male genitalia, specifically the penis.

- The comedian made a silly joke about a man protecting his manhood during the game.
- The script used the term 'manhood' as a playful euphemism to avoid more graphic language while maintaining the scene's comedic tone.

## Examples

- He felt he had finally reached manhood after starting his first job.
- The novel explores the protagonist's difficult journey from a sheltered childhood into the responsibilities of manhood.
- Traditional rites of passage often serve to demarcate the boundary between adolescence and manhood, reinforcing the social expectations placed upon adult males within the community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.