male
male Lexical Profile
male Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of or denoting the sex that produces small, typically motile gametes (such as spermatozoa or pollen) which fertilize the eggs of a female.
"The male cardinal is easily recognized by its bright red plumage."
Relating to, characteristic of, or composed of men or boys.
"The choir is currently auditioning singers for the principal male lead."
Designating a manufactured part, such as an electrical plug, pipe fitting, or mechanical connector, having a projecting pin or thread designed to fit into a corresponding socket.
"Insert the male end of the audio cable firmly into the amplifier's input jack."
• noun
A male person, animal, or plant.
"In many bird species, the male builds the nest to attract a mate."
The capital and most populous city of the Maldives, located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll in the Indian Ocean.
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with the homophone 'mail' (letters and parcels sent by post, or protective armor). In modern usage, 'male' as a noun is most natural in scientific, medical, or demographic contexts when referring to humans, whereas 'man' or 'boy' is generally preferred in everyday social contexts.
• Rhymes for male
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Old French masle, from Latin masculus ('masculine, male'), a diminutive of mas ('male person or animal'). The spelling was later altered by folk-etymological association with 'female'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.