stout

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstau̇t 

1

: strong of character: such as

a

: brave, bold

b

: firm, determined

also : obstinate, uncompromising

2

: physically or materially strong:

a

: sturdy, vigorous

b

: staunch, enduring

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

ˈstau̇-tish 

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• cast-iron
• hard
• hard-bitten
• hardened
• hardy
• inured
• rugged
• strong
• sturdy
• tough
• toughened
• vigorous

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

The 7-foot-4-inches Canadian center has been almost unstoppable for opposing defenses, while also providing a stout last line of defense. —Ben Morse, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024

The whiskey was bottled at 100 proof, and tasting notes describe a dark-espresso and chocolate character thanks to that midnight wheat, a grain often used to make stout and porter beer. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024

Nitro Stout, an American stout beer with a 5.6% ABV, enjoyed with a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024

Last Seen: Before 1960 The pondicherry shark, with a stout gray body growing to just three feet long, historically ranged from the Gulf of Oman to Southeast Asia. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024

But a stout resume constructed in November and December will prevent the Wildcats from falling below the No. 2 line. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024

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

Noun

Rich layers of chocolate stout, bourbon, and chocolate syrup, all drizzled with cream, make this drink a chocolate-lover's delight. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2024

The rich, sweet caramel notes found in rum nicely complement the chocolate, but bourbon, whiskey, or stout make good alternatives. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024

Craft beers have joined the Irish stouts, lagers and red ales, and Tuesday trivia nights have become wildly popular. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024

Its earliest brews in the works include a peach sour, a tropical double IPA and a stout. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 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

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

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

Phrases Containing stout

• milk stout

Kids Definition

stout

1 of 2 adjective

ˈstau̇t 

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