die hard

1 of 2

phrase

1

: to be long in dying

Such rumors die hard.

2

: to continue resistance against hopeless odds

That kind of determination dies hard.

die-hard

2 of 2

adjective

ˈdī-ˌhärd 

: strongly or fanatically determined or devoted

die-hard fans

especially : strongly resisting change

a die-hard conservative

diehard noun

die-hardism

ˈdī-ˌhärd-ˌiz-əm 

noun

Synonyms of die hard

Adjective

• traditional
• conservative
• loyal
• orthodox
• staunch

Examples of die hard in a Sentence

Adjective

the die-hard purists are never going to accept certain words, no matter who uses them

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Old habits may die hard, but the temptation to afford the Followills a bit of grace during O My Beloved’s lower points remains strong. — Larry Fitzmaurice, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026

The two bounced around a couple venues to watch the afternoon game but landed at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park with dozens of die hard fans dressed in black and white. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Swift is no stranger to Chiefs games, but this sighting is sure to delight die-hard Swifties given the two stars’ long-time friendship. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026

This seems to be more of a supply-and-demand situation that caters to die-hard season-ticket holders. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for die hard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard

Kids Definition

die-hard

adjective

ˈdī-ˌhärd

: strongly or excessively determined or devoted

die-hard fans

diehard noun