brawn

American  

[brawn] / brɔn /

noun

1. strong, well-developed muscles.

2. muscular strength.

   Synonyms:

   power, might, sturdiness, muscle, robustness, brawniness

3. Chiefly British.

   1. a boar's or swine's flesh, especially when boiled and pickled.

   2. headcheese.

---

brawn British  

/ brɔːn /

noun

1. strong well-developed muscles

2. physical strength, esp as opposed to intelligence

3. a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head and sometimes the feet of a pig or calf

---

Etymology

Origin of brawn

1275–1325; Middle English brawne < Old French braon slice of flesh ( Provençal bradon ) < Germanic; compare German Braten joint of meat, akin to Old English brǣd flesh

Example Sentences

“At this stage in life, using my brain instead of brawn is a better fit for me,” says Miner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

Whitney High in Cerritos, long regarded as having one of the best academic schools inthe nation, proved on Saturday how brains and brawn can go together.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2025

He’s just a schoolyard bully with less brawn and brain than he thinks, but excels at survival.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

A source who had investigated the Maldera brothers told France 3 that Jean-Pierre had been the brain behind their schemes, while Robert had been the brawn.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

Faris, starved and peaked, no hint of the humor and brawn he'd possess later in life.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir