A2adjective1K

Male

UK /["/meɪl/"]/US /["/meɪl/"]/

Definition

being a man or boy

In simple words: A man or boy.

Examples

  • The male lion has a magnificent mane.
  • She prefers male friends over female friends.
  • The male dancer performed beautifully on stage.
  • The doctor said that male and female bodies process medications differently.
  • In many species, male birds are more colorful than female birds.

Usage notes

Used to refer to someone of the male gender. Appropriate in most contexts, but may be less formal than 'masculine'. Avoid using in contexts where gender is irrelevant.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'mail' – just like you say 'mailman' for a male delivery person.

Collocations

  • be
  • entirely
  • exclusively
  • largely

Synonyms

  • man
  • boy
  • guy
  • gentleman

Antonyms

  • female
  • woman
  • girl

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'female'
  • Using as an adjective instead of noun (e.g. 'a male person' instead of 'a person')