brawn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Literary (for figurative use), Regional (for culinary use).
Quick answer
What does “brawn” mean?
Physical strength in contrast to intelligence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Physical strength in contrast to intelligence.
Meat from a pig's or calf's head that is cooked, chopped, and pressed into a potted loaf; also, firm, developed muscles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'brawn' is a common term for the meat product (head cheese). In American English, this usage is rare or archaic; the primary meaning is physical strength/muscle. The term 'head cheese' is used for the food in American English.
Connotations
UK: Culinary connotations are neutral/common. US: Primarily connotes raw, unthinking power, often in the phrase 'brawn vs. brains'.
Frequency
The 'strength' sense has low-to-medium frequency in both varieties. The culinary sense is high frequency in UK regional/traditional contexts and near-zero in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “brawn” in a Sentence
[verb] + on/upon + brawn (e.g., rely on brawn)brawn + versus/over/and + brain(s)more brawn than brain(s)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brawn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphors: 'The market rewards brains, not brawn.'
Academic
Rare. Used in historical/sociological contexts discussing labor vs. intellectual work.
Everyday
Used in discussions about sports, physical work, or comparing types of ability.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific meat-processing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brawn”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brawn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brawn”
- Using 'brawn' as a countable noun (*'He has big brawns').
- Confusing 'brawn' (strength) with 'brawn' (meat) in international contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but often used in a slightly negative or contrasting way when comparing physical strength to intelligence (e.g., 'all brawn, no brain').
Yes, though it is less common. It is not gender-specific (e.g., 'She relied on her speed, not her brawn').
The most common term is 'head cheese', though it is not a widely known or consumed product in the US.
Yes. 'Brawny' is the adjective form, meaning muscular and strong.
Physical strength in contrast to intelligence.
Brawn is usually informal, literary (for figurative use), regional (for culinary use). in register.
Brawn: in British English it is pronounced /brɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɔːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “brawn over brain(s)”
- “more brawn than brain(s)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRAwny browN bear – it has lots of physical strength (brawn) but not much brain.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL STRENGTH IS A SOLID, DENSE MATERIAL (e.g., 'sheer brawn').
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what is the most common meaning of 'brawn' in a supermarket?