built like a tank
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Broad-shouldered and of solid, muscular build.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Standing 6'8" and built like a tank, Adam was not a man to be messed with.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Sturdy; exceptionally well constructed.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “built like a tank” mean?
Broad-shouldered and of solid, muscular build.
Is “built like a tank” formal or informal?
built like a tank is generally slang.