# brawn

/ˈbɹɔn/ (US) · /bɹˈɔːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brawn
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. physical strength

noun · CEFR B2

physical strength and large muscles, especially when compared to intelligence.

For teachers: physical strength and muscularity, often used in the idiomatic contrast 'brawn versus brains'.

- The job required more brawn than brains, as I spent all day lifting heavy boxes.
- While he possessed the brawn necessary for manual labour, he lacked the strategic insight required for a management position.

### 2. meat product

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

a cold meat dish made from the head of a pig or calf, served in jelly.

For teachers: a terrine or meat jelly made from the flesh of the head of a pig or calf.

- My grandfather always served sliced brawn with mustard during Sunday lunch.
- The traditional butcher's shop was famous for its homemade brawn, prepared according to a century-old regional recipe.

### 3. a boar

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Archaic

an old word for a male pig or boar.

For teachers: a male pig or boar; this usage is restricted to specific regional dialects or historical contexts.

- The old farmer referred to the large male pig as a brawn.
- In the local dialect of the valley, a mature boar was still occasionally called a brawn by the elder residents.

## Examples

- He has the brawn of a professional athlete.
- The job requires more brawn than brains, as it involves lifting heavy crates all day.
- While the lead character is celebrated for his intellectual prowess, his sidekick is defined by his sheer brawn and physical intimidation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.