burly Definition
burly (bʉr′lē)
adjective -·lier, -·li·est
- big and strong; heavy and muscular
- rough and hearty in manner; bluff
Etymology: ME borlich, excellent, noble, handsome, altered (? by assoc. with bour, bower) < OE borlice, very, excellently
burly Related Forms
bur′·li·ness noun
burly Synonyms
burly Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- life: These splendid dwellings were created as retreats from the hurly burly of city life and many are distinctly opulent.
- politics: He appeared to us to be quite detached from the hurly burly of office politics.
Modifies a noun
- policeman: The door imploded; boots came down either side of me as burly policemen marched over my body and into the house.
- bloke: Check out the video clip - at least four burly blokes trying to drag an old man out of his seat.
- striker: The burly striker did not hesitate as he lashed his shot into the net from eight yards out.
- guard: The armored truck had arrived with two burly security guards.
- guy: Several big burly guys refused to get out of their trucks.
- man: They walk into the sitting room, where they see a burly, large man.
Modifying Another Word
Browse dictionary entries near burly
- ‹ Burlington
- ‹ burley
- ‹ burlesque
- ‹ Burleigh
- ‹ burlap
- ‹ burl
- ‹ Burkitt's lymphoma
- ‹ Burkina Faso
- ‹ Burke,Tim(othy)
- ‹ Burke,Tim

