Brawny means having strong, well-developed muscles that show physical power. A brawny lumberjack has thick, muscular arms from years of swinging an axe. A brawny athlete might have powerful legs and shoulders built through training and hard work.

You'll often see brawny used to describe people who do physical labor or play sports requiring power. A brawny construction worker, a brawny football lineman, or a brawny blacksmith all have muscles developed through demanding work.