adjective

burly

BUR-lee

Burly (adjective) means large, well-built, and muscular, especially of a man. Example: “A burly security guard blocked the entrance.”

adjective

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 notes

In plain EnglishPhysically big, strong, and solidly built.

Easily confused with

burley →

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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A _____ security guard blocked the entrance.

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.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for burly

surly curly hourly

See all rhymes for 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.