sinew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “sinew” mean?
A strong, fibrous band of tissue connecting muscle to bone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, fibrous band of tissue connecting muscle to bone; a tendon.
Physical or metaphorical strength; the main source of vitality or power in a system, organization, or person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in medical/biological and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal/literary in both varieties. May have a slightly archaic or poetic feel.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More likely encountered in writing, especially historical, literary, or analytical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “sinew” in a Sentence
the sinew(s) of [abstract noun: the economy, the state]sinew(s) and [noun: muscle, bone][verb: strain, stretch] every sinewVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinew” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Archaic) To strengthen with or as if with sinews. Not in modern use.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) To strengthen with or as if with sinews. Not in modern use.
adverb
British English
- None in standard use.
American English
- None in standard use.
adjective
British English
- (Rare) 'Sinewed' - physically strong; having prominent sinews. e.g., 'his sinewed forearm'.
American English
- (Rare) 'Sinewy' - lean and muscular; tough. e.g., 'a sinewy piece of meat'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figurative: 'Investment is the sinew of industrial growth.'
Academic
Used in biological/medical texts for the anatomical term. In humanities, used figuratively to analyse historical or social structures.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, zoology, and butchery.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinew”
- Misspelling as 'sinue' or 'siniew'. Using it as a common synonym for 'muscle'. Incorrect pluralisation ('sinews' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sinew (tendon) connects muscle to bone. A ligament connects bone to bone.
Very rarely and archaically. The modern language uses 'strengthen' or 'fortify'. The adjective 'sinewy' is more common.
No. It is a formal, literary, or technical term (anatomy/butchery). You are unlikely to hear it in everyday conversation.
"To strain every sinew" means to make the utmost physical or mental effort to achieve something.
A strong, fibrous band of tissue connecting muscle to bone.
Sinew is usually formal/literary/technical in register.
Sinew: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪnjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪnjuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “strain every sinew (to do something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINEW being the 'SEWn' part that connects muscle to bone, like strong thread.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/SUPPORT IS A TENDON (e.g., 'the sinews of the economy'). PARTS OF A SYSTEM ARE PARTS OF A BODY.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'the sinews of war' most likely refers to: