stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈsta-mə-nə 

1

: the bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity : endurance

a workout program that builds strength and stamina

These horses are bred for speed and stamina.

The use of pharmaceuticals to enhance memory, focus, and mental stamina in healthy brains is known generally as cognitive enhancement …

—Paul McFedries

2

: the moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. : staying power

The network of obligations to family and community underpinned the soldier's moral stamina …

—Joseph Allan Frank

Examples of stamina in a Sentence

Do you have the stamina to finish the job?

Recent Examples on the Web

Kids will learn how to do circus tricks and build stamina along the way. —Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

Even up 4-1 in the final 15 minutes, the Rapids kept pushing past the limits of stamina to find a fifth goal, both in the press and in the buildup. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026

Striking a blow for the Mountain West Conference, which Utah State, SDSU and Boise State are leaving for the Pac-12, the high-altitude Aggies rode their stamina and playmaking down the stretch to book Sunday’s date opposite Arizona. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

The Mughals particularly valued these horses for their strength and stamina, as well as their colors and other aesthetic features. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, plural of stamen warp, thread of life spun by the Fates

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stamina

• lamina

Kids Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: vigor sense 1, endurance

Medical Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease

restoration of weight, strength and stamina following recovery from major surgery

—The Journal of the American Medical Association