masculinity
n.the set of qualities or behaviors that people usually think are typical of men.
n.the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with boys and men. Often discussed as a social construct rather than a purely biological trait.
“He felt that showing emotion did not threaten his masculinity.”
“The documentary explores how different cultures define masculinity and what it means to be a man in the modern world.”
“Sociologists often distinguish between traditional masculinity and more fluid contemporary expressions, noting how societal expectations of male behavior have shifted significantly over the last century.”
Typically used as an uncountable abstract noun; occasionally used with 'a' when referring to a specific type ('a toxic masculinity').
“Hegseth has also embraced a return to more traditional ideas of masculinity.”
“It features two teenage boys navigating same-sex desire for each other under the oppressive forces of homophobia, peer pressure and strong-man masculinity.”
From French masculinité, from Old French, equivalent to masculine + -ity. Earlier in same sense was masculineness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.