What does "muscular" mean?

1. (related to muscles) relating to the muscles in your body. 2. (having strong muscles) having large, strong, and well-developed muscles. 3. (strong and forceful) describing something that is powerful, direct, and effective.

How do you use "muscular"?

Often used in medical or biological contexts. Commonly used in political or literary criticism to describe a firm or powerful style.

muscular

adj.

US //ˈməskjəɫɝ// UK //mˈʌskjʊlɐ// mus·cu·lar

1 related to muscles (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

relating to the muscles in your body.

relating to or affecting the muscles of the body.

Example

He suffered from a muscular injury after lifting heavy boxes all day.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with a rare muscular disorder that affected his ability to walk long distances without assistance.

Usage

Often used in medical or biological contexts.
2 having strong muscles (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

having large, strong, and well-developed muscles.

possessing well-developed muscles; physically strong and brawny.

Example

The athlete had a very muscular build from years of weightlifting.

Example

The gymnast's muscular frame was a testament to the rigorous daily training schedule she had maintained since childhood.
- brawny
- strong
- athletic
- weak
- scrawny

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3 strong and forceful (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

describing something that is powerful, direct, and effective.

characterised by vigour, robustness, or forceful expression; often used to describe policies or styles.

Example

The government took a muscular approach to solving the economic crisis.

Example

The critic praised the author's muscular prose, noting how the direct language heightened the emotional impact of the final chapters.

Usage

Commonly used in political or literary criticism to describe a firm or powerful style.
- feeble
- weak

Origin

Late 17th century; from muscle (Latin mūsculus) + -ar. Compare French musculaire.