voluntary muscle

noun

: muscle (such as most striated muscle) under voluntary control

Examples of voluntary muscle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Breathing is a voluntary muscle function, so that will be affected eventually too. — Brooke Eby, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 When voluntary muscle action is progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Dec. 2025 The website states that the neurological disorder affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing. — Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 9 July 2024 Although brain-computer interface, or BCI, technology isn’t new, the case marks the first time it is known to have been used in a patient without any voluntary muscle control. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 25 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for voluntary muscle

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of voluntary muscle was in 1788

Rhymes for voluntary muscle

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Browse Nearby Words

voluntary jurisdiction
voluntary muscle
voluntary school
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Cite this Entry

“Voluntary muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluntary%20muscle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

voluntary muscle

noun
: muscle (as most striated muscle) that is under voluntary control

Medical Definition

voluntary muscle

noun
: muscle (as most striated muscle) under voluntary control

More from Merriam-Webster on voluntary muscle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about voluntary muscle

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