brawny

[braw-nee]

adjective

brawnier, brawniest 

1. muscular; strong.

   Synonyms: strapping, robust, burly
   Antonyms: frail, slight, weak

brawny

/ ˈbrɔːnɪ /

adjective

1. muscular and strong

Other Word Forms

• brawnily adverb
• brawniness noun
• unbrawny adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brawny¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; brawn, -y ¹

Example Sentences

He’s also played by Cena, a retiring professional wrestler who embodies the white American male ideal – brawny, handsome, a good guy.

Read more on Salon

Delightfully, when Moss-Bachrach’s brawny rock monster strolls to the deli to buy black-and-white cookies, he’s wearing a gargantuan pair of penny loafers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Like his colleagues, he’s paid peanuts, but the crew — led by brawny amateur wrestler B.J. and her number two, barbecue expert Wayne — forge a close-knit bond that never flags, even when sacrifice is involved.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s not clear the ex to whom she is referring, but she famously dated and was engaged to NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers — another brawny, bearded man.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The archaic society was known for the prowess of its soldiers and its brawny militarism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beefy 
• bulky 
• burly 
• sinewy 
• strapping 
• sturdy