brawn

American  

[brawn] / brɔn /

noun

1. strong, well-developed muscles.

2. muscular strength.

   Synonyms:

   power, might, sturdiness, muscle, robustness, brawniness

3. Chiefly British.

   1. a boar's or swine's flesh, especially when boiled and pickled.

   2. headcheese.

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brawn British  

/ brɔːn /

noun

1. strong well-developed muscles

2. physical strength, esp as opposed to intelligence

3. a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head and sometimes the feet of a pig or calf

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Etymology

Origin of brawn

1275–1325; Middle English brawne < Old French braon slice of flesh ( Provençal bradon ) < Germanic; compare German Braten joint of meat, akin to Old English brǣd flesh

Explanation

Brawn means muscular strength. Brawn is thought of as the opposite of brains, but let’s face it — people can be strong and smart! No matter how smart you are, though, you must have big muscles to have brawn. The word brawn is from the Old French word braon, which means “fleshy or muscular part,” referring to a part of an animal that people cook and eat. British English still uses brawn to mean meat, headcheese in particular. In American English, brawn refers to strength and heft. You may also have heard the adjective brawny, meaning strong and muscular.

Example Sentences

Her particular combination of brawn and skill isn’t just rare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

He’s just a schoolyard bully with less brawn and brain than he thinks, but excels at survival.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

Even more important than the brawn though is the brain.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

A West Coast power, known for its flash, paired with a conference known for its bulk and corn-fed brawn.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2024

She saves a few shillings from her wages taking care of Mr. Sliney to buy bread, ham, brawn, cheese, lemonade and a few bottles of stout.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt