mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm 
1
a
: exaggerated or affected (see affected entry 2 sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity
refined almost to the point of mannerism—
Winthrop Sargeant
Winthrop Sargeant
b
often capitalized
: an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
Examples of mannerism in a Sentence
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes
Recent Examples on the Web
But there’s something about that sort of adolescent age between 12 and 14, where people’s mannerisms change, and people’s bodies change, and people’s voices change, and all of those things.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Despite limited footage, Storm worked to nail Mortensen’s specific in-ring mannerisms.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Similarities between partners can range beyond appearance to having familiar mannerisms, experiences, education, similar tastes in fashion or even daily habits.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Top actors preparing for challenging roles often immerse themselves in the character by adopting new accents, attitudes, and mannerisms that feel forced at first.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
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Randall Colburn, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Despite limited footage, Storm worked to nail Mortensen’s specific in-ring mannerisms.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Similarities between partners can range beyond appearance to having familiar mannerisms, experiences, education, similar tastes in fashion or even daily habits.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Top actors preparing for challenging roles often immerse themselves in the character by adopting new accents, attitudes, and mannerisms that feel forced at first.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Cite this Entry
“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting
the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses
Medical Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
especially
: any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly
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