muscular

adjective

mus·​cu·​lar ˈmə-skyə-lər 

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

ˌmə-skyə-ˈla-rə-tē 

-ˈler-ə-tē

noun

muscularly

ˈməs-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of muscular

• athletic
• sinewy
• brawny
• powerful
• strong
• strapping
• sturdy

Examples of muscular in a Sentence

He has a muscular physique.

His legs are very muscular.

Recent Examples on the Web

Imax just released numbers for the second quarter ended in June, but eyes are on July – specifically, the massive debut of The Odyssey that just provided the big screen exhibitor with its most muscular opening weekend ever. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 July 2026

During standard Pilates, your body primarily responds to the workout’s muscular and neuromuscular demands, including core stabilization, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and mobility. — Mellanie Perez, Health, 20 July 2026

The pressures to look a certain way — hypermasculine, muscular and stylish, for example, among certain subsets of gay men, can be just as harsh and punishing. — Stephanie Fairyington, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Every drop hits like a quake, and each muscular beat compels you to shake your ass. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing muscular

• Becker muscular dystrophy
• Becker's muscular dystrophy
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• muscular dystrophy

Rhymes for muscular

• arbuscular
• intermuscular
• neuromuscular

Kids Definition

muscular

adjective

mus·​cu·​lar ˈməs-kyə-lər 

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 

1

a

: of, relating to, or constituting muscle

b

: of, relating to, or performed by the muscles

2

: having well-developed musculature

muscularly

ˈməs-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb