hardy

adjective

har·​dy ˈhär-dē 

hardier; hardiest

1

: bold, brave

a hardy intrepid spirit

2

: audacious, brazen

3

a

: accustomed to dealing with fatigue or hardships : robust

The soldiers were strong and hardy.

b

: capable of withstanding adverse conditions

hardy outdoor furniture

hardy plants

hardy cattle

hardily

ˈhär-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

hardiness

ˈhär-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• sturdy
• strong
• rugged
• tough
• stout
• vigorous

Examples of hardy in a Sentence

Most of the soldiers were hardy young men.

Hardy fans stuck with the team through good times and bad.

Only the hardiest pilgrims made the journey.

Recent Examples on the Web

But some are hardier than others, particularly when they’re built for bona fide outdoor adventure. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025

Southern states familiar with an invasive, stinging ant are facing a new foe: A hybrid bug that combines the fierce red fire ant and the hardy black fire ant. —Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025

The Zyliss Smooth Glide Y-Peeler lives up to its name—the stainless steel blade moves effortlessly over everything from tangy green apples to hardy squash, and handles tougher skins without tugging or skipping. —Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2025

In areas where 'Real Charmer' Leucanthemum is winter hardy (USDA Zones 5-9), plants can be overwintered in place in the ground. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hardi, from Anglo-French, from Old French *hardir to make hard, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English heard hard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hardy

• half-hardy

Rhymes for hardy

• hardie
• lardy
• pardy
• tardy
• foolhardy
• sephardi

Kids Definition

hardy

adjective

har·​dy ˈhärd-ē 

hardier; hardiest

1

: bold sense 1a, brave

2

: able to stand fatigue or hardships : robust

3

: able to survive unfavorable conditions (as of weather)

a hardy rose bush

hardily

ˈhärd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

hardiness

ˈhärd-ē-nəs 

noun

Biographical Definition

Hardy 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Har·​dy ˈhär-dē 

Oliver 1892–1957 originally Norvell Hardy American comic actor

Hardy

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Thomas 1840–1928 English novelist and poet

Hardyesque

ˌhär-dē-ˈesk 

adjective