courageous

adjective

cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
: having or characterized by courage : brave
a courageous soldier
a courageous decision
courageously adverb
courageousness noun

Examples of courageous in a Sentence

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes. the courageous decision to quit rather than obey an illegal order
Recent Examples on the Web Clark passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with ALS. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024 Venus, the planet of love, money and pleasure, is currently transiting the courageous sign of Leo, adding a flair for drama and extravagance to our relationships and spending habits. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024 This uptick in violence has burnished the Houthis’ image as the champion of the Palestinians and as a courageous opponent to the West. Alexandra Stark, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2024 Link’s coworkers — Deputies Stephanie Early, Matt Layman and Preston Leonard — remembered him as a kind and courageous man who thoroughly enjoyed his work. Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for courageous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'courageous.' 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 corageous, borrowed from Anglo-French corajus, from corage courage + -us, -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near courageous

Cite this Entry

“Courageous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courageous. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

courageous

adjective
cou·​ra·​geous kə-ˈrā-jəs How to pronounce courageous (audio)
: having or marked by courage : brave
courageously adverb
courageousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on courageous

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