feminize

verb

fem·​i·​nize ˈfe-mə-ˌnīz How to pronounce feminize (audio)
feminized; feminizing

transitive verb

1
: to give a feminine quality to
feminize an outfit
2
: to cause (a male or castrate) to take on feminine characters (as by implantation of ovaries or administration of estrogens)
3
: to cause to be made up of more females than males
Our society feminizes certain professions.
feminization
ˌfe-mə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce feminize (audio)
noun

Examples of feminize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Removing too much skin or fat can feminize a man and produce a sunken effect. — Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026 For much of the last decade, wellness was feminized — still fraught, but synonymous with self-care and relaxation. — Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Some are transgender and seeking to feminize their torsos. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 By producing flowers that are sterile, not just feminized, growers may finally have a buffer against stray pollen. — Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for feminize

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feminize was in 1652

Rhymes for feminize

See All Rhymes for feminize

Browse Nearby Words

feminization
feminize
feminized
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Cite this Entry

“Feminize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

feminize

transitive verb
fem·​i·​nize
variants or British feminise
ˈfem-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce feminize (audio)
feminized or British feminised; feminizing or British feminising
: to cause (a male or castrate) to take on feminine characters (as by implantation of ovaries or administration of estrogenic substances)
feminization noun
or British feminisation
ˌfem-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce feminize (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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