androgyny: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, and social-scientific contexts; used in everyday conversation in LGBTQ+/gender discourse.
Quick answer
What does “androgyny” mean?
The state or quality of having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
A gender expression that blends or moves beyond traditional male/female distinctions. In biology, refers to having characteristics of both sexes. In culture, often associated with challenging gender norms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage is equally common in gender studies and cultural discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in fashion/media contexts in UK English ('the androgyny look'). In US English, perhaps more frequent in psychological/sociological academic writing.
Frequency
Low-frequency overall, but its usage has increased in parallel with discussions of gender identity. Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “androgyny” in a Sentence
the androgyny of [noun phrase]androgyny in [noun phrase][verb] androgynyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “androgyny” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This style aims to androgynise the traditional uniform.
- The actor androgynised his look for the role.
American English
- The designer sought to androgynize the clothing line.
- Trends often androgynize over time.
adverb
British English
- The character was dressed androgynously.
- She styles her hair quite androgynously.
American English
- He presents himself androgynously in public.
- The clothing is cut androgynously.
adjective
British English
- He has an androgynous look that's very fashionable.
- The model's androgynous features are striking.
American English
- She praised the androgynous style of the new collection.
- His voice is surprisingly androgynous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing/HR discussing diversity, branding for unisex products.
Academic
Common in gender studies, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, and biology.
Everyday
Used in discussions of fashion, celebrities, personal identity, and LGBTQ+ topics.
Technical
In biology: having both male and female characteristics. In psychology: a personality trait blend.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “androgyny”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “androgyny”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “androgyny”
- Misspelling as 'androgeny' (which relates to male hormones).
- Using it as an adjective (correct adjective is 'androgynous').
- Confusing it with 'asexuality' or 'agender'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Androgyny typically refers to a blended gender expression or appearance. Non-binary is a gender identity. A non-binary person may express androgyny, but not necessarily.
No. The correct adjective is 'androgynous'. 'Androgyny' is strictly a noun.
No. The idea and term have ancient roots (from Greek 'andro-' (man) and 'gynē' (woman)), appearing in mythology, philosophy, and art for centuries.
In British English: /an-DROJ-uh-nee/. In American English: /an-DRAH-juh-nee/. The stress is on the second syllable.
The state or quality of having both masculine and feminine characteristics.
Androgyny is usually formal, academic, and social-scientific contexts; used in everyday conversation in lgbtq+/gender discourse. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this noun. The concept itself is often referenced.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANDRO (like android/man) + GYNY (like gynaecology/woman) = both man and woman combined.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER IS A SPECTRUM/BLEND. ANDROGYNY IS A FUSION/MERGER.
Practice
Quiz
In a biological context, 'androgyny' is most closely related to which term?