burly
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for burly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Large, well-built, and muscular, especially of a man.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use burly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a burly man
burly arms
a burly figure
Etymology
From Middle English burly/burlich, meaning "tall, stately" — likely tracing back to Old English roots meaning "noble" or "raised, high," though its exact origin is debated.
Full origin of burly →Frequently asked questions
What does “burly” mean?
The word “burly” means large, well-built, and muscular, especially of a man. In plain terms, physically big, strong, and solidly built.
How do you pronounce “burly”?
“Burly” is pronounced BUR-lee (/bɝli/ in IPA).
How do you use “burly” in a sentence?
Here is “burly” used in a sentence: “A burly security guard blocked the entrance.”
What part of speech is “burly”?
“Burly” is an adjective.
Where does the word “burly” come from?
The word “burly” comes from Old English. From Middle English burly/burlich, meaning "tall, stately" — likely tracing back to Old English roots meaning "noble" or "raised, high," though its exact origin is debated.
