musculature

noun

mus·​cu·​la·​ture ˈmə-skyə-lə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

: the muscles of all or a part of the animal body

Examples of musculature in a Sentence

an athlete with well-developed musculature

Recent Examples on the Web

Vocal folds within the larynx rely on musculature, mucosal pliability and proper airflow from the lungs to create sound — and the specific balance of tension and elasticity of the vocal cords plays a key role in vocal quality. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025

Skulls retract and flatten as their musculature facilitates more expressive faces. —Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

The new Kitoh features seams that trace musculature. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025

The mouth talks, the eyes perceive; and the movements of the facial musculature are uniquely related to one’s experienced affects and to the affects transmitted to others. —Michael W. Clune, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin musculus

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

musculature

noun

mus·​cu·​la·​ture ˈməs-kyə-lə-ˌchu̇(ə)r 

: the muscles of the body or of one of its parts

Medical Definition

musculature

noun

mus·​cu·​la·​ture ˈməs-kyə-lə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r 

: the muscles of all or a part of the animal body