virile

adjective

vir·ile ˈvir-əl ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l

British also ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l

Synonyms of virile

: having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree

: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine

: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male

specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

: energetic, vigorous

: masterful, forceful

virilely adverb

Examples of virile in a Sentence

men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting

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.

America is strong, America is virile. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026 Jimmy is immediately struck by this younger, virile, needier man when Vincent asks him to help move a piece of furniture in. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026 Rather than prizing animals for their beauty, their virile traits or their straight-up cool characteristics, frogposting is all about vulnerable animals—the dweebs of the animal kingdom. — Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2025 After a faculty party one night, Martha invites the college’s virile new biology professor, Nick, and his vapid wife, Honey, over for a wee-hours drink. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virile

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of virile was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

virile

adjective

vir·ile ˈvir-əl ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl

: having the nature, powers, or qualities of an adult male : masculine

: having traditionally masculine qualities especially to a noticeable degree

: vigorous sense 1, energetic

: masterful sense 1, forceful

Etymology

from early French viril "having the qualities of a man," from Latin virilis (same meaning), from vir "man, male" — related to virtue

Medical Definition

virile

adjective

vir·ile

ˈvir-əl, ˈvi(ə)r-ˌīl, British also ˈvī(ə)r-ˌīl

: having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male

specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation

: characteristic of or associated with men : masculine

virile

adjective

Synonyms of virile

Examples of virile in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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