WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
bur•ly /ˈbɜrli/USA pronunciation   adj., -li•er, -li•est. 
  1. large in size;
    stout;
    sturdy:a couple of burly cops.
bur•li•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
bur•ly  (bûr′lē),USA pronunciation adj., -li•er, -li•est. 
  1. large in bodily size;
    stout;
    sturdy.
  2. bluff;
    brusque.
  • Middle English borli, burli, Old English borlīce (adverb, adverbial) excellently, equivalent. to bor(a) ruler + -līce -ly 1250–1300
bur′li•ly, adv. 
bur′li•ness, n. 
    1. strapping, stocky, brawny, thickset, beefy, hefty.
    1. puny, weak, frail.

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