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.
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
The series begins with Guy Anatole (Nicholas Denton, whose mannerisms and line deliveries are distractingly reminiscent of Eddie Redmayne) about to graduate law school.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
Both on and off the court, the freshman phenom has the mannerisms of a professional.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
So Bell signed on and promptly began studying Foster’s mannerisms and tacking up images of her various looks to the walls.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Is this a conversation of reconciliation, or is this a new way of mannerism?
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
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Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
Both on and off the court, the freshman phenom has the mannerisms of a professional.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
So Bell signed on and promptly began studying Foster’s mannerisms and tacking up images of her various looks to the walls.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Is this a conversation of reconciliation, or is this a new way of mannerism?
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mannerism
Cite this Entry
“Mannerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mannerism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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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