sturdy build
Strong physical frame
A sturdy build describes a body type that is solid, strong, and compact—neither thin nor fat, but robust and well-proportioned for physical work or endurance.
The phrase typically suggests someone who looks capable and durable: He had the sturdy build of a farmhand.
It carries positive connotations of reliability and strength.
- brawnyPhysically powerful, well-muscled
- muscularHaving well-developed sinews
- broad shouldersWide upper back area
- stockyShort and solidly built
- heavy-dutyBuilt for hard use
thickset · robust · barrel-chested · brick house · durable · reinforced · stout · burly · bullnecked · built like a tank · fireplug · resilient · fortified · solid · powerful · strong · athletic · unyielding