English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

bruiser

noun
1
A big, physically tough person, especially one prone to rough treatment of others.
"A couple of bruisers stood by the door checking IDs."

How to Use Bruiser

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large, strong, tough-looking person, often used for a bouncer, fighter, or rough athlete.

When to use it

Informal, often used half-admiringly about someone's physical presence.

Word Forms

bruisers plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “bruiser” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A couple of _____ stood by the door checking IDs.

Etymology

Formed from "bruise" plus "-er" — literally "one who bruises (others)".

Rhymes for bruiser

See all rhymes for bruiser →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial