Phrase guide

gender role

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A set of expected behaviours and attitudes associated with a specific gender.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Gender roles are indistinct among the young if the two sexes play together frequently.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the overt expression of attitudes that indicate to others the degree of your maleness or femaleness

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • your gender role is the public expression of your gender identity

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: role

History

Etymology

Coined by New Zealand American psychologist, sexologist, and college professor John Money.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 性別角色 /性别角色 (xìngbié juésè) — Translations
  • Finnish: sukupuolirooli — Translations
  • French: rôle de genre — Translations
  • Japanese: 性役割 (sei yakuwari) — Translations
  • Portuguese: papel de gênero — Translations
  • Ukrainian: гендерна роль (henderna rolʹ) — Translations