muscular

adjective

mus·​cu·​lar ˈmə-skyə-lər How to pronounce muscular (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting muscle
b
: of, relating to, or performed by the muscles
2
: having well-developed musculature
3
a
: of or relating to physical strength : brawny
b
: having strength of expression or character : vigorous
muscular prose
c
: characterized by forcefulness or resolve
muscular foreign policy
d
: full-bodied
muscular wines
muscularity noun
muscularly adverb

Examples of muscular in a Sentence

He has a muscular physique. His legs are very muscular.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the same time, the Federalists’ muscular response to the Fries Rebellion had alienated crucial voters in Pennsylvania, almost certainly costing the party crucial votes in the electoral college. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 The songs are muscular and syncretic as ever, but the normally peevish rapper doesn’t maintain his trolling energy for the full record, settling into a questioning and pensive pace. Stephen Kearse, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024 Though Reacher is notably tall and muscular — Ritchson stands above six feet and is known for roles like Aquaman and Hawk — Paulie is hulking in comparison, with Richters being 7-foot-2 and 350 pounds. Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024 Penelope is hounded by muscular new suitors awaiting the throne, while Odysseus isn’t recognized anymore due to the scars of war, though Fiennes is in top physical shape. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for muscular 

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of muscular was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near muscular

Cite this Entry

“Muscular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscular. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

muscular

adjective
mus·​cu·​lar ˈməs-kyə-lər How to pronounce muscular (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or being muscle
b
: performed by the muscles
2
: having well-developed muscles : strong

Medical Definition

muscular

adjective
mus·​cu·​lar ˈməs-kyə-lər How to pronounce muscular (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting muscle
b
: of, relating to, or performed by the muscles
2
: having well-developed musculature
muscularly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on muscular

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