sinewy

[ sin-yoo-ee ]

adjective

1. having strong sinews; muscular; brawny:

   a sinewy back.

2. of or like sinews; tough, firm, braided, or resilient:

   a sinewy rope.

3. having conspicuous sinews; stringy:

   tough, sinewy meat.

4. vigorous or forceful, as language, style, etc.:

   a sinewy argument.

sinewy

/ ˈsɪnjʊɪ /

adjective

1. consisting of or resembling a tendon or tendons
2. muscular; brawny
3. (esp of language, style, etc) vigorous; forceful
4. (of meat, etc) tough; stringy

Derived Forms

• ˈsinewiness, noun

Other Words From

• sinew·i·ness noun
• un·sinew·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinewy¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; sinew, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The “America’s Got Talent” and “Project Runway” star always goes all out for Halloween, last year evolving into a multi-person peacock after previously dressing up as an elaborate butterfly, a worm, a sinewy cadaver and Fiona from “Shrek,” to name a few, as well as memorably aging herself up.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the juxtaposition of Mara’s potent, sinewy turn in “The Girl with Dragon Tattoo” and the nuanced fragility she exuded in “Carol” that confirmed his admiration for her performances.

From Los Angeles Times

As tourists stumble by with tall cans of Bud Light Lime and cigarettes in hand, Sell’s tattooed, sinewy limbs stretch a matching Lacoste tee and shorts, with the requisite crocodile emblems and matching bright-red shoes.

From Los Angeles Times

Through what lens is Sam Farmer viewing Jim Harbaugh as “sinewy”?

From Los Angeles Times

Emily Markstein, a sinewy rock climber and skier who has spent seven years living and working in the Sierra resort town of Mammoth Lakes, opens a large sliding door and welcomes a stranger into her home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brawny
• leathery
• muscular
• sturdy