# bruiser

/bɹˈuːzɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bruiser
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a big, strong person who likes to fight or play rough. You often use it for tough players in sports like football or hockey.

For teachers: a powerfully built person known for physical aggression or rough play, especially in contact sports. Often implies intimidation through size and strength rather than technical skill.

## Examples

- He looks like a real bruiser in that jacket.
- The other team sends out their bruiser to guard the basket and push smaller players around.
- Despite his reputation as a bruiser, the veteran forward shows surprising touch around the net when the game slows down.

## Synonyms

brute

## Antonyms

weakling

---

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.