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.
Maybe your goal is to build more muscular power with moves like kettlebell swings and power cleans. — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 6 July 2026 Their stomachs function more like large, expandable bags rather than tight muscular containers. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Clash songs are solid state instruments — low budget, low flourish, muscular — and this one’s no different. — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 The rear fenders are muscular without being bulky, and the tail has a clean, modern appearance that avoids excessive ornamentation. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 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

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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 10 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on muscular

Nglish: Translation of muscular for Spanish Speakers

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