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Synonyms

bruiser

American  
[broo-zer] / ˈbru zər /

noun

Informal.
  1. a strong, tough person.

    The football player was over six feet tall and weighed 285 pounds—a real bruiser.


bruiser British  
/ ˈbruːzə /

noun

  1. informal a strong tough person, esp a boxer or a bully

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bruiser

First recorded in 1580–90; bruise + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He’s got Deck and Bruiser and even Leo and all of these people who have so many years on him and so many experiences on him.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

But the pressure is on immediately when Bruiser asks Rudy point-blank if he has what it takes to be a rainmaker for the firm.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

Vets like Leo and Bruiser are used to crossing moral lines, but how will Rudy react when his morals are challenged?

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

Life is choices, and Bruiser made his choice.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2023

“Today we think about Bruiser Bulk and the fight.”

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen

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