muscular

adjective

mus·​cu·​lar ˈmə-skyə-lər How to pronounce muscular (audio)
Synonyms of muscularnext
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.
But can a footballer really be too muscular? Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 For all its public association with queerness, ballet remains largely committed to a frail, wispy femininity and a princely but muscular and explosive masculinity—with the stringent, often punishing body-shape standards to match. Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026 Hamilton, writing as Pacificus, reaffirmed his typically muscular reading of executive authority. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026 Their findings showed collagen supplement use can be beneficial for certain aspects of skin, bone and muscular health. Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Muscular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscular. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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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