# muscular

/ˈməskjəɫɝ/ (US) · /mˈʌskjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/muscular
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. related to muscles

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the muscles in your body.

For teachers: relating to or affecting the muscles of the body.

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

adjective · CEFR B1

having large, strong, and well-developed muscles.

For teachers: possessing well-developed muscles; physically strong and brawny.

- The athlete had a very muscular build from years of weightlifting.
- The gymnast's muscular frame was a testament to the rigorous daily training schedule she had maintained since childhood.

### 3. strong and forceful

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

describing something that is powerful, direct, and effective.

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

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

## Examples

- He has a very muscular build from years of swimming.
- The athlete's muscular legs allowed her to sprint much faster than her competitors during the final lap.
- The government adopted a more muscular foreign policy, shifting from quiet diplomacy to assertive public statements and increased military presence in the region.

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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.