brawny

[ braw-nee ]

adjective

, brawn·i·er, brawn·i·est.

1. muscular; strong.

   Synonyms: strapping, robust, burly

   Antonyms: frail, slight, weak

brawny

/ ˈbrɔːnɪ /

adjective

1. muscular and strong

Derived Forms

• ˈbrawnily, adverb
• ˈbrawniness, noun

Other Words From

• brawni·ly adverb
• brawni·ness noun
• un·brawny adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brawny¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; brawn, -y ¹

Example Sentences

As players led a brawny ape and a cartwheeling monkey through jungles, ancient ruins and snowscapes, they were treated to a musical smorgasbord of atmospheric tunes.

From New York Times

He was tall and brawny, with leafy brown hair.

From Salon

“Gladiator II,” the enjoyably dumb sequel to the brawny Ridley Scott epic that won the best picture Oscar nearly a quarter-century ago, has just finished its premiere screening on the Paramount Pictures lot.

From Los Angeles Times

For him, performing his music is its own reward — one reason he sings at close to full power, his voice brawny yet lithe, as his live band test-runs a few tunes behind him.

From Los Angeles Times

The few that braved the back roads drove brawny vehicles that looked like they’d been sloppily dipped into chocolate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beefy
• bulky
• burly
• sinewy
• strapping
• sturdy