Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

sinewy

adjective sin·ewy \ˈsin-yə-wē also ˈsi-nə-\

: having strong and lean muscles

: tough and difficult to cut or chew

Full Definition of SINEWY

: full of sinews: as

a : tough, stringy <sinewy meat>

b : strong <sinewy arms>

: marked by the strength of sinews <a demanding sinewy intelligence — Helen Dudar>

See sinewy defined for English-language learners

See sinewy defined for kids

First Known Use of SINEWY

14th century

Related to SINEWY

Synonyms: brawny, muscular, rugged, strong, stalwart, stout

Antonyms: delicate, feeble, frail, weak, weakling, wimpy

SINEWY Defined for Kids

sinewy

adjective sin·ewy \ˈsin-yə-wē\

Definition of SINEWY for Kids

: strong 1, powerful <sinewy arms>

: full of tendons : tough, stringy <a sinewy piece of meat>

Learn More About SINEWY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "sinewy"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "sinewy"

Nglish: Translation of "sinewy" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "sinewy" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: sinfoniaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sinewousAll Words Near: sinewy

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up sinewy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More