Femininity (also called womanliness or girlishness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with women and girls. Although femininity is largely thought to be socially constructed,[1] research indicates that some behaviors considered feminine are biologically influenced.[1][2][3][4] To what extent femininity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate.[2][3][4] It is distinct from the definition of the biological female sex,[5][6] as both males and females can exhibit feminine traits. Traits traditionally cited as feminine include gracefulness, gentleness, empathy, humility, and sensitivity,[7][8][9][10] though traits associated with femininity vary across societies and individuals,[11] and are influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors.[12]

 Femininity (also called womanliness or girlishness) is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with women and girls. Although femininity is largely thought to be socially constructed,^[1]research indicates that some behaviors considered feminine are biologically influenced.^[1][2][3][4] To what extent femininity is biologically or socially influenced is subject to debate.^[2][3][4] It is distinct from the definition of the biological female sex,^[5][6] as both males and females can exhibit feminine traits.

Traits traditionally cited as feminine include gracefulness, gentleness, empathy, humility, and sensitivity,^{[7][8][9][10]} though traits associated with femininity vary across societies and individuals,^[11] and are influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors.^[12]