mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈma-nə-ˌri-zəm 
1
a
: exaggerated or affected (see affected entry 2 sense 1) adherence to a particular style or manner : artificiality, preciosity
refined almost to the point of mannerism—
Winthrop Sargeant
Winthrop Sargeant
b
often capitalized
: an art style in late 16th century Europe characterized by spatial incongruity and excessive elongation of the human figures
2
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
Synonyms
Examples of mannerism in a Sentence
The actor can mimic the President's mannerisms perfectly.
quirky mannerisms such as toying with her hair and tapping her toes
Recent Examples on the Web
However, Murphy says that the buzz surrounding his signature cackle would soon grow a life of its own, with many impressionists keying in on that particular mannerism.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 July 2024
Along with their identical appearances, the girls had similar personalities and mannerisms, too.
—Sydney Page, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
Tom, Truman Capote has very distinct mannerisms, style of speaking.
—Envelope Staff, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024
Even her physical mannerisms suggest a thoroughly practical nature.
—Claire Greenstein, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2015
See all Example Sentences for mannerism 
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 July 2024
Along with their identical appearances, the girls had similar personalities and mannerisms, too.
—Sydney Page, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
Tom, Truman Capote has very distinct mannerisms, style of speaking.
—Envelope Staff, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024
Even her physical mannerisms suggest a thoroughly practical nature.
—Claire Greenstein, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2015
See all Example Sentences for mannerism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mannerism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near mannerism
Cite this Entry
“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious way of acting
the mannerism of constantly adjusting her glasses
Medical Definition
mannerism
noun
man·ner·ism
ˈman-ə-ˌriz-əm
: a characteristic and often unconscious mode or peculiarity of action, bearing, or treatment
especially
: any pointless and compulsive activity performed repeatedly
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