American English
/ˈmæn.hʊd̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
the state or period of being an adult man
The main stress in “manhood” is on the first part: /ˈmæn.hʊd̚/. You may also hear a little extra emphasis on the second part: /ˈmænˌhʊd̚/.
the state or period of being an adult man
He reached manhood during the war.
The story follows him from boyhood to manhood.
reach manhood · enter manhood · from boyhood to manhood
reach + manhood
from + boyhood + to + manhood
qualities that people traditionally connect with being a man, such as strength or courage
He felt he had to prove his manhood.
The insult made him question his manhood.
This meaning can sound traditional or suggest ideas about how men should behave.
prove one's manhood · question someone's manhood · a threat to someone's manhood
traditional ideas about + manhood
someone's + manhood + is + questioned
to become an adult man
He reached manhood in a small town.
to show that one has qualities traditionally expected of a man
He felt he had to prove his manhood.
to make someone feel that their masculinity is not accepted or respected
The insult questioned his manhood.