First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1effeminate
adjective ef·fem·i·nate \-nət\
: having or showing qualities that are considered more suited to women than to men : not manly
Full Definition of EFFEMINATE
1
: having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner
2
: marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement <effeminate art> <an effeminate civilization>
See effeminate defined for English-language learners
See effeminate defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EFFEMINATE
Middle English, from Latin effeminatus, from past participle of effeminare to make effeminate, from ex- + femina woman — more at feminine
2effeminate
noun
Definition of EFFEMINATE
: an effeminate person
First Known Use of EFFEMINATE
1597
Learn More About EFFEMINATE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: effeminatelyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: effeminacyAll Words Near: effeminate
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up effeminate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).