male Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
noun a person who belongs to the sex that cannot have babies
male person.
noun the capital of Maldives in the center of the islands
adjective being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that perform the fertilizing function in generation
- a male infant
- a male holly tree
adjective satellite characteristic of a man
manful; manly; manlike; virile.
- a deep male voice
- manly sports
adjective satellite for or pertaining to or composed of men or boys
- the male lead
- the male population

L. malus. See Malice.

F. mâle, OF. masle, mascle, fr. L. masculus male, masculine, dim. of mas a male; possibly akin to E. man. Cf. Masculine, Marry, v. t.

Of or pertaining to the sex that begets or procreates young, or (in a wider sense) to the sex that produces spermatozoa, by which the ova are fertilized; not female; as, male organs.
(Bot.) Capable of producing fertilization, but not of bearing fruit; -- said of stamens and antheridia, and of the plants, or parts of plants, which bear them.
Suitable to the male sex; characteristic or suggestive of a male; masculine; as, male courage.
Consisting of males; as, a male choir.
(Mech.) Adapted for entering another corresponding piece (the female piece) which is hollow and which it fits; as, a male gauge, for gauging the size or shape of a hole; a male screw, etc.