# built

/ˈbɪɫt/ (US) · /bˈɪlt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/built
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. muscular

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

having a strong, muscular, or well-shaped body.

For teachers: possessing a physically powerful or muscular physique. Often used in the compound 'well-built'.

- He has been going to the gym every day and is looking quite built.
- The lead actor was remarkably built, having spent months training with professional athletes to prepare for the physically demanding role.

Teaching tip: While 'built' is common in informal speech, 'well-built' is more standard for general descriptions of a person's frame.

## Examples

- He has become really built since he started lifting weights.
- The actor spent six months training with a professional athlete to look built for his role as a superhero.
- While his brother was naturally lanky, he was remarkably built, with broad shoulders and powerful arms that suggested years of dedicated physical labor.

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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.