adj
Very common
built
BIHLT
Built (adj) means Muscular and well-toned in physique (informal). Example: “My brother looks so built since he started lifting weights every morning.”
adj
1
Muscular and well-toned in physique (informal).
"My brother looks so built since he started lifting weights every morning."
"Wow, you are built! Do you train every day?"
"He's been hitting the gym hard and he's really built now."
"Wow! Your new boyfriend's really built."
noun
1
The general shape or structure of something; build.
"He has a slim built and could easily slip through the narrow gap."
"Her sturdy built made her a natural choice for the rowing team."
"The bridge's built reflects decades-old engineering standards."
How to use built
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly used informally to describe someone with a strong, muscular body.
When to use it
The "muscular" sense is informal slang.
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Word forms
- Plural
- builts
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My brother looks so _____ since he started lifting weights every morning.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unbuilt
Related words
Rhymes for built
See all rhymes for built →Frequently asked questions
What does “built” mean?
The word “built” means muscular and well-toned in physique (informal). In plain terms, most commonly used informally to describe someone with a strong, muscular body.
How do you pronounce “built”?
“Built” is pronounced BIHLT (/ˈbɪlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “built” in a sentence?
Here is “built” used in a sentence: “He's been hitting the gym hard and he's really built now.”
What is the opposite of “built”?
The opposite of “built” — its antonyms — is unbuilt.
What part of speech is “built”?
Depending on how it is used, “built” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “built” a common word?
“Built” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “built” have?
“Built” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: muscular and well-toned in physique (informal).
What is the difference between 'built' and 'ripped'?
Both describe a muscular body, but they stress different things. Built means having a solid, well-developed, muscular frame overall. Ripped means having very low body fat so the muscles look sharply defined and 'cut.' You can be built — big and strong — without being ripped, and vice versa.
What is the difference between 'built' and 'buff'?
They are close and often interchangeable, both informal compliments about physique. Built emphasises a solid, muscular frame and overall size. Buff leans slightly more toward looking toned, fit and attractively defined. In everyday speech, calling someone built or buff both simply means they are noticeably muscular.
Is calling someone 'built' a compliment?
Yes, generally. In this informal sense, built means muscular and well-toned, so it is normally meant and taken as praise for someone's physique. As always, tone and context matter, but describing a person as built usually signals admiration for a strong, fit body.
How do you get built?
Building a muscular physique takes consistent resistance or strength training — lifting weights or doing bodyweight work — combined with enough protein and overall good nutrition, plus adequate rest for muscles to recover and grow. It develops gradually over months and years, not overnight.
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