effeminacy

noun

ef·​fem·​i·​na·​cy ə-ˈfe-mə-nə-sē How to pronounce effeminacy (audio)
Synonyms of effeminacynext
: the quality of being effeminate

Examples of effeminacy in a Sentence

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.
The researchers theorized this could be in part because of greater stigma toward effeminacy in boys than masculinity in girls. — Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2023 Other historians point to the color being linked to effeminacy. — Aj Willingham, CNN, 25 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effeminacy was in 1602

Browse Nearby Words

effeir
effeminacy
effeminate

Cite this Entry

“Effeminacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effeminacy. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

effeminacy

noun
ef·​fem·​i·​na·​cy ə-ˈfem-ə-nə-sē How to pronounce effeminacy (audio)
: the quality of being effeminate

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