femininity

noun

fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfe-mə-ˈni-nə-tē How to pronounce femininity (audio)
Synonyms of femininitynext
1
: the quality or nature of the female sex : the quality, state, or degree of being feminine or womanly
challenging traditional notions about femininity and masculinity
… the women were visions of powerful femininity.—Alan Shipnuck
2
: woman, womankind
… he was now to contrast her sharply with the best of what the Old World had to offer in the matter of femininity …—Theodore Dreiser

Synonyms of femininity

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Examples of femininity in a Sentence

national costumes that accent masculinity and femininity
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.
Not as an idealised image of femininity, but as individuals carrying contradictions, expectations and desires. — Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 During their reign in Hollywood’s Golden Age, their lives and cinematic work played out ideals about femininity and its expectations in American culture writ large. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 The new shoe styles capture the brand’s signature balance of femininity and confidence, a blend that celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Keke Palmer have been drawn to over and over again. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Her full-on embrace of a femininity that was simultaneously flamboyant and unapologetic was always a conscious move. — CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for femininity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of femininity was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing femininity

Rhymes for femininity

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Browse Nearby Words

feminine rhyme
femininity
feminise
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Cite this Entry

“Femininity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/femininity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

femininity

noun
fem·​i·​nin·​i·​ty ˌfem-ə-ˈnin-ət-ē How to pronounce femininity (audio)
plural femininities
: the quality or nature of the female sex
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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