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
ˌmə-skyə-ˈla-rə-tē How to pronounce muscular (audio)
-ˈler-ə-tē
noun
muscularly
ˈməs-kyə-lər-lē How to pronounce muscular (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of muscular

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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.
The team revised Rotta’s face and coloring to bring him closer to Jabba while refining his muscular physique. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Rubio’s idea of the West is both messier and simpler, populated by muscular explorers and conquerors, from Alexander the Great and the Frankish king Charlemagne to the conquistador Hernán Cortés and the frontiersmen of the American West. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 Flex your calves often Weight-bearing physical activity of any sort supports blood flow in the legs because of how muscular contractions help the veins push blood toward the heart, Jimenez said. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026 An actor known for his macho presence and muscular physique, Sylvester Stallone does not fit the stereotype of a person with an eating disorder. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing muscular

Rhymes for muscular

See All Rhymes for muscular

Browse Nearby Words

muscul-
muscular
muscular dystrophy
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Cite this Entry

“Muscular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscular. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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
ˈməs-kyə-lər-lē How to pronounce muscular (audio)
adverb
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