sturdy

adjective

stur·​dy ˈstər-dē How to pronounce sturdy (audio)
sturdier; sturdiest
1
a
: firmly built or constituted : stout
b
: hardy
sturdy plants
c
: sound in design or execution : substantial
2
a
: marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor
b
c
sturdily adverb
sturdiness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for sturdy

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 sturdy in a Sentence

a dog with a strong sturdy build it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer
Recent Examples on the Web The housing authority, a county agency charged with creating affordable housing opportunities, saw potential in the building’s graceful touches and sturdy walls. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 It’s made with a sturdy iron base and features eucalyptus leaves made out of high quality faux silk with foam berries and a wood center panel. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024 The energy was restored by a beefy, vivacious scherzo, boosted by sturdy bassoons and a gorgeous trio of horns. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 Many users also found the Dueling Rockets set-up to have a sturdier base and easier rocket loading system. Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 The Bay Area and California experienced sturdy employment gains in January to kick off 2024 — but new data released Friday shows the job market in the nine-county region and statewide was not nearly as strong in 2023 as originally thought. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Weather officials advised residents to locate a safe, sturdy spot, away from windows, to shelter before the thunderstorms arrive. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 Made of sturdy material, each tier can hold up to 10 pounds. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 This leaf mulcher is our pick for a great all-around mulcher that is sturdy, easy to use, and can handle a lot of leaves. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sturdy.' 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

Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French esturdi stunned, from past participle of esturdir to stun, from Vulgar Latin *exturdire, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *turdus simpleton, from Latin turdus thrush — more at thrush

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near sturdy

Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sturdy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sturdy

adjective
stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē How to pronounce sturdy (audio)
sturdier; sturdiest
1
a
: firmly built or made
a sturdy ship
b
: strong and healthy in body : hardy, robust
2
: firm entry 1 sense 3, resolute
sturdy self-reliance
sturdily adjective
sturdiness noun

Medical Definition

sturdy

noun
stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē How to pronounce sturdy (audio)
plural sturdies
: gid

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdy

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