adjective
burly
BUR-lee
adjective
1
Large, well-built, and muscular, especially of a man.
"A burly security guard blocked the entrance."
"His burly arms made short work of the heavy boxes."
How to Use Burly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPhysically big, strong, and solidly built.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a burly man
burly arms
a burly figure
Word Forms
burlier comparative, more burly comparative, burliest superlative, most burly superlative
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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.