virile Hear it!

virile Definition

vir·ile (vir′əl; chiefly Brit, -īl′)

adjective

  1. of, belonging to, or characteristic of an adult man; manly; male
  2. having manly strength or vigor; forceful
  3. of or capable of copulation; sexually potent

Etymology: L virilis < vir, man: see werewolf

virile Related Forms

vi·ril′·ity (və ril′ə tē) noun

virile Synonyms

virile

modif.

  1. Manly

    masculine, potent, manly, macho; see male, manly, masculine 2.

  2. Forceful

    vigorous, forceful, energetic, robust; see strong 1. See syn. study at male.

virile Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • man: How will Marla, still weak and confused, cope with such a virile man as Steele?
  • soul: Is this the reflection of today's virile soul?
  • character: Slater is thus drafted in to play the PM as a more virile, younger character.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: The Sunday School This department of the church has always been very virile and active.
  • so: I told him my new beau is so virile that he only has to text me and my period is late.

Browse dictionary entries near virile

  1. ‹ viridity
  2. ‹ viridian
  3. ‹ viridescent
  4. ‹ viricide
  5. ‹ virgule
  6. ‹ virgulate
  7. ‹ Virgo
  8. ‹ virginity
  9. ‹ Virginian
  10. ‹ Virginia reel
  1. virilism ›
  2. virility ›
  3. virilocal ›
  4. virion ›
  5. viroid ›
  6. virology ›
  7. virosis ›
  8. virtu ›
  9. virtual ›
  10. virtual Centrex ›