biceps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Technical in anatomical/medical contexts, informal in fitness/general use.
Quick answer
What does “biceps” mean?
A large muscle at the front of the upper arm, responsible for flexing the elbow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large muscle at the front of the upper arm, responsible for flexing the elbow.
In general anatomical contexts, 'biceps' can refer to any muscle with two points of origin (heads). Colloquially, it is a symbol of strength and athleticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor variation in plural verb agreement in formal writing; both treat it as plural when referring to the pair.
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with weightlifting, fitness, and physical strength in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common. Slightly higher frequency in American media due to a larger fitness culture, but negligible difference.
Grammar
How to Use “biceps” in a Sentence
to flex [POSSESSIVE] bicepsto work/develop [POSSESSIVE] bicepsa strain in [POSSESSIVE] bicepsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biceps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was bicepping heavy weights at the gym. (informal, rare)
American English
- You need to biceps curl with proper form. (informal, from 'biceps curl' verbalised)
adjective
British English
- A biceps tendon injury kept him out of the match. (attributive noun use)
American English
- He focused on his biceps workout. (attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in metaphorical use: 'The company flexed its financial biceps.'
Academic
Common in biological, medical, and sports science texts.
Everyday
Common in contexts of exercise, fitness, and casual descriptions of physique.
Technical
Specific anatomical term: 'The biceps brachii originates from the scapula.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biceps”
- Using 'bicep' as the singular (non-standard but increasingly common in informal speech).
- Treating 'biceps' as a singular noun with a regular plural 'bicepses' in everyday language.
- Misspelling as 'bicepts'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In standard English, 'biceps' serves as both singular and plural, especially in everyday use. In highly formal anatomical writing, 'bicepses' is possible but rare. The paired muscles are often treated as plural: 'His biceps are impressive.'
While 'bicep' is frequently heard in informal speech and is listed in some modern dictionaries as a variant, it is often considered non-standard. 'Biceps' is the preferred and traditional form for both singular and plural references.
The biceps is a muscle on the front of the upper arm with two heads, primarily responsible for elbow flexion and forearm supination. The triceps is a muscle on the back of the upper arm with three heads, responsible for elbow extension. They are antagonistic muscles.
Yes, though not extremely common. It can metaphorically represent strength or power, e.g., 'The country showed its diplomatic biceps during the negotiations.'
A large muscle at the front of the upper arm, responsible for flexing the elbow.
Biceps is usually neutral. technical in anatomical/medical contexts, informal in fitness/general use. in register.
Biceps: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.seps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪ.seps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's all biceps and no brain. (pejorative: strong but stupid)”
- “to flex one's biceps (literal, or metaphorically to show off strength/power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think BI- (two) + -CEPS (from Latin 'caput' meaning head). The biceps muscle has two 'heads' where it attaches.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH IS PHYSICAL SIZE/MUSCLE (e.g., 'the biceps of the economy').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct anatomical description of the biceps?