What does muscular mean?
Muscular means having muscles that are well developed, strong, and capable of producing powerful movement. In everyday use, it usually describes a person with a visibly athletic or powerful physique, as in “a muscular build,” but it can also suggest physical toughness and control. In medical and biological contexts, muscular refers to the muscles themselves or to the muscular system, including conditions that affect muscle strength or movement. The word is usually complimentary, though it can occasionally be used critically when describing someone whose strength or physical display is excessive. Its Latin origin, through musculus, links it to muscle and gives it a direct association with the body’s capacity for strength and action.
Having well-developed muscles and a strong, powerful physique.
"She has a muscular build from years of rowing."
A commonly positive description, especially of an athletic or physically powerful person.
Relating to the muscles or the muscular system.
"The patient was diagnosed with a muscular disorder."
Common in medical, physiological, and anatomical descriptions.
Characterized by forceful, powerful, or controlled movement.
"He made a muscular effort to lift the heavy crate."
More literary and less common than the physical-description sense.
The word muscular comes from the Latin musculus, literally meaning “little mouse,” a reference to the way a flexing muscle can resemble a small animal beneath the skin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does muscular come from?
Muscular entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective muscularis, meaning “of or relating to a muscle.” That form was derived from musculus, the Latin word for “muscle.” The Latin noun musculus literally means “little mouse,” probably referring to the resemblance of a moving muscle to a small animal under the skin. Modern cognates and related English forms include muscle and muscularity.
Related word forms
How muscular is actually used
In its first sense, muscular is generally positive and commonly describes a visibly strong or well-conditioned body. In medical and physiological contexts, it refers specifically to muscles or the muscular system.