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.
Each version of the muscular coupe features a special livery inspired by its predecessor. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025 Here’s our selection of dramas, encompassing everything from Sony Pictures Television’s high-concept series The Miniature Wife to Sphere Abacus’ steamy ice-hockey romp Heated Rivalry through to Richard Gadd muscular transformation in Half Man. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 According to Britannica, the American bully is a muscular companion breed developed in the United States during the 1980s and ’90s. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 For older adults — those 65 and older — exercise snacks significantly improved muscular endurance. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2025 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 18 Oct. 2025.

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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