Definition of robust
1a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous healthb : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness a robust debate a robust faithc : strongly formed or constructed : sturdy a robust plasticd : capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions robust software
2 : rough, rude stories … laden with robust, down-home imagery — Playboy
3 : requiring strength or vigor robust work
4 : full-bodied robust coffee; also : hearty a robust dinner
5 : relating to, resembling, or being a specialized group of australopithecines characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet ◆Robust australopithecines are included in the genus Australopithecus along with gracile forms or placed in the separate genus Paranthropus. — compare gracile 3
robustly
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of robust in a Sentence
If Singapore, just seven miles to the north with its glittering skyline and robust economy, is Southeast Asia's Cinderella, Batam is her dark sister. —Peter Gwin, National Geographic, October 2007
The greatest gains in mine mechanization came in a burst of innovation following World War II, when robust new machines were developed … —Robert L. Marovelli, Scientific American, September 1982
Humfry was a man whom everyone noticed. His stature was above ordinary, his complexion sanguine, his conversation lively, and his constitution robust. —Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971
Why is almost every robust healthy boy with a robust healthy soul in him, at some time or other crazy to go to sea? —Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851
robust young men and women
He is in robust health.
The sauce has a robust flavor.
Recent Examples of robust from the Web
-
The government’s report suggested that eight years into the recovery from the Great Recession, job growth may be slowing after a long stretch of robust gains.
-
Job creation, robust consumer confidence and new immigrants are fueling demand.
-
At the 10-year mark, eMerge Americas will serve as the anchor for a week-long series of events celebrating innovation in one of the globe’s top technology hubs and the strength of a robust technology sector in Latin America.
-
Google Fiber’s service, delivered on more robust fiber optic lines, can move both downloads and uploads at up to 1 gigabit per second.
-
Interest in the program was robust: The forestry council received 243 applications.
-
Conservatives say without those requirements, people could buy less expensive though less robust coverage.
-
The show’s formula follows a model developed on the competition dance circuit, a robust industry that hops from one convention center to the next across the country, offering master classes and contests aimed at teenage and preteen dancers.
-
Phase 2 of the Experimental Spaceplane program covers design, construction, and testing of the craft, including 10 test fires of the propulsion system over 10 days to demonstrate the system is robust enough for quick turnaround launches.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'robust'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of robust
Latin robustus oaken, strong, from robor-, robur oak, strength
Synonym Discussion of robust
ROBUST Defined for English Language Learners
robust
playDefinition of robust for English Language Learners
-
: strong and healthy
-
: strongly formed or built
-
: successful or impressive and not likely to fail or weaken
ROBUST Defined for Kids
robust
playDefinition of robust for Students
: strong and healthy
robustly
adverbLearn More about robust
-
See words that rhyme with robust Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for robust Spanish Central: Translation of robust Nglish: Translation of robust for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of robust for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up robust? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!