Male Meaning and Definition

Male

Male

Pronunciation

/meɪl/

Part of Speech

Noun or Adjective

Definition

A male human, having a Y chromosome and typically designated as masculine.

Examples

  • The male lion is known for his majestic mane.
  • The actor is a male lead in the new movie.

Synonyms

  • Man
  • Boy

Antonyms

  • Female
  • Feminine

Etymology

The word “male” comes from the Old French “masle”, which is derived from the Latin “masculus”, meaning “masculine” or “male”.

Usage Notes

In casual conversation, “male” is often used informally to refer to a boy or a man. However, in formal or professional contexts, it’s generally more appropriate to use the terms “man” or “boy” instead.

Cultural References

The term “male” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood features a dystopian society where males hold power over females.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Examples include phrases like “male-dominated” to describe environments where men hold more power or influence, and “male Macho” to describe a stereotypical male behavior.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Biological
  • Social

Collocations

  • Male lead roles
  • Male counterparts

Frequency of Use

The term “male” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts where gender is relevant or important.

Common Misspellings

  • Malee
  • Malee

Related Words