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.
Maje Maje is continuing to evolve, balancing a familiar femininity with a more commercially minded offering. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The new work is a radical take on aging and femininity, an uncut hit of Cindy Sherman—despite, or maybe even because of, her initial hesitation. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026 Samantha Josephs, Carrying (Putnam, October 6) One of the year’s most unhinged premises comes from this trans body horror debut, as perfect housewife Martha begins to suffer the strain of performing impeccable femininity as a stealth trans woman. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Pair your brown skirt with a top in neutral shades to help bring out the soft femininity of the hue. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 20 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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
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