built

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.

“Built” is pronounced BIHLT (/ˈbɪlt/ in IPA).

Here is “built” used in a sentence: “He's been hitting the gym hard and he's really built now.”

The opposite of “built” — its antonyms — is unbuilt.

Depending on how it is used, “built” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Built” is a very common word in modern English.

“Built” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: muscular and well-toned in physique (informal).

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.

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.

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.

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.