stout

1 of 2

adjective

1
: strong of character: such as
a
: brave, bold
2
: physically or materially strong:
c
: sturdily constructed : substantial
3
: forceful
a stout attack
also : violent
a stout wind
4
a
: bulky in body : fat
b
: broad in proportion to length : large in diameter
a stout fly
a stout bird's bill
stoutish adjective
stoutly adverb
stoutness noun

stout

2 of 2

noun

1
: a very dark, full-bodied ale with a distinctive malty flavor that is typically brewed with unmalted roasted barley
Stout is a darker, heavily hopped ale that has a creamy head in the glass …Anthony Dias Blue
2
a
: a fat person
b
: a clothing size designed for the large figure
Choose the Right Synonym for stout

strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious mean showing power to resist or to endure.

strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Examples of stout in a Sentence

Adjective He has a stout heart. His lawyer put up a stout defense in court.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Beef and Stout Stew Beef, vegetables and stout join forces to create a surprising depth of flavor in this hearty stew. Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 The bike delivers a stout 180 hp and 85 ft lbs of torque, and is equipped with the best production Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes of the time. Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, Second Dawn Brewing, which opened a year ago at 2302 Dayton St. in Aurora, hosts its first-anniversary party from noon to 9 p.m. Founded by one of the former top brewers at New Belgium Brewing, Second Dawn will release two beers, a triple hazy IPA and a s’mores stout. Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 The Warriors never trailed in the game, taking charge at the outset with stout defense even if the offensive performance was uneven throughout. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 Clark is stout in the run game, showed an impressive ability to get after quarterbacks, and even though he’s played eight NFL seasons, is still just 28 years old. Rob Reischel, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Reece Beekman led Virginia (19-6, 10-4) with 19 points, but the Cavaliers' normally stout defense couldn't slow Pittsburgh, which took 32 of its 58 shots from beyond the 3-point line. Hank Kurz Jr., USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 For stout lovers, Go Brewing knocks it out of the park with its Donut Kill My Vibe vanilla maple stout. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2024 Detroit has been stout against the run, giving up 88.8 yards on the ground per game, fifth-best in the league, but has struggled in the secondary giving up an average of 240.4 passing yards per game, 25th in the NFL. Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press, 4 Jan. 2024
Noun
While there certainly are some higher-alcohol dark beers (Imperial stouts spring to mind), color is not the factor that makes a beer more or less alcoholic. Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 Come in here and be yourself, kick back with a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, seasonal brews and more. Katie Toussaint, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 While Lewis likes to prepare the punch with Guinness’ West Indies Porter, it can also be made with any Guinness stout or porter of choice. Lelani Lewis, Saveur, 29 Feb. 2024 Over three years at Founders Brewing, the 25-year-old saved enough money pouring IPAs, stouts and porters to pay cash for a 2009 Toyota Corolla. Fatima Hussein and Josh Boak, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2024 Palmer won Capitol Beer and Taproom’s first homebrewing competition with a stout called Quaker’s Revenge, back when Claimstake was known as Argonaut Brewing Co. and before Palmer’s taproom was conceived. Michael McGough, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 Furman keeps 16 beers on tap, from Mexican lagers to pastry stouts — all gluten free. Jay R. Brooks, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2024 The brewer comes with two smart kegs, allowing users to make pro-quality pale ales, lagers and stouts. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2024 This method is best used for high gravity beers like pastry stouts, doppelbocks, and winter ales. Griffin Sweet, Bon Appétit, 24 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stout.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French estut, estout, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German stolz proud; perhaps akin to Old High German stelza stilt — more at stilt

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stout was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stout

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stout. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stout

1 of 2 adjective
1
: strong of character : brave, bold
2
: physically or materially strong : sturdy, vigorous
3
: forceful
a stout attack
4
: bulky in body : overweight
stoutly adverb
stoutness noun

stout

2 of 2 noun
: a dark heavy beer

More from Merriam-Webster on stout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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