muscular

[ muhs-kyuh-ler ]

adjective

1. of or relating to muscle or the muscles:

   muscular strain.

2. dependent on or affected by the muscles:

   muscular strength.

3. having well-developed muscles; brawny.

   Synonyms: sturdy, stalwart, powerful, strong, sinewy

4. vigorously and forcefully expressed, executed, performed, etc., as if by the use of a great deal of muscular power:

   a muscular response to terrorism.

5. broad and energetic, especially with the implication that subtlety and grace are lacking:

   a muscular style.

6. reflected in physical activity and work:

   a muscular religion.

7. Informal. having or showing power; powerful:

   a muscular vehicle.

muscular

/ ˈmʌskjʊlə; ˌmʌskjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having well-developed muscles; brawny
2. of, relating to, or consisting of muscle

Derived Forms

• ˈmuscularly, adverb
• muscularity, noun

Other Words From

• muscu·lari·ty noun
• muscu·lar·ly adverb
• inter·muscu·lar adjective
• inter·muscu·lar·ly adverb
• inter·muscu·lari·ty noun
• non·muscu·lar adjective
• non·muscu·lar·ly adverb
• post·muscu·lar adjective
• sub·muscu·lar adjective
• sub·muscu·lar·ly adverb
• un·muscu·lar adjective
• un·muscu·lar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of muscular¹

1675–85; < Latin mūscul ( us ) muscle + -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of muscular¹

C17: from New Latin muscularis, from musculus muscle

Example Sentences

The pocket is a variant of the American bully breed, which includes the larger and more muscular XL.

From BBC

A muscular, red bandanna wearing “hot, jacked” version of Trump was introduced by impressionist James Austin Johnson, who said as Trump, “They finally got the body right.”

From Los Angeles Times

The album is handsome and searching and muscular, and after our talk Gilmour plays most of it onstage at the Bowl while throwing a few familiar bones to the capacity crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

But in fellow Brit Steve McQueen’s muscular, sincere “Blitz,” his latest reckoning with the heartbeat of historical incident, life under the threat of annihilation pulsates a little more strongly than that beloved phrase would suggest.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, people who are very muscular can have a high BMI without much fat.

From BBC

Related Words

• athletic
• brawny
• burly
• powerful
• robust
• sinewy
• stout
• strapping
• sturdy
• vigorous
• wiry