Muscular

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmÊŒs.kjÉ™.lÉ™/, /ˈmÊŒs.kjÊŠ.lÉ™/
• US IPA: /ˈmÊŒs.kjÉ™.lÉš/, /ˈmÊŒs.kju.lÉš/

Origin

Borrowed from Latin mūsculāris in the 17th century.

Full definition of muscular

Adjective

1. Of, relating to, or connected with muscles.
• 1912, Edgar Rice Burroughs, A Princess of Mars, chapter 2It was an effort of the mind, of the will, of the nerves; not muscular, for I could not move even so much as my little finger, but none the less mighty for all that.
2. Brawny, having strength.
3. Having large, well-developed muscles.

Synonyms

• (of or relating to muscles) myo-
• (having strength) athletic, beefy, brawny, husky, lusty, muscled, muscly, powerful, strapping, strong
• (having well-developed muscles) beefy, brawny, heavily muscled, husky, musclebound, muscled, muscly, powerfully built, well-built

Related terms

• muscularity
• musculature

Derived terms

• most muscular
• muscular dystrophy