stalwart

1 of 3

adjective

stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt 

: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit

stalwart common sense

stalwartly adverb

stalwartness noun

stalwart

2 of 3

noun (1)

1

: a stalwart person

2

: an unwavering partisan

stalwartness

3 of 3

noun (2)

stal·​wart·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being stalwart

Did you know?

Stalwart is a word with ancient roots that has lent its stalwart service to the English language for centuries. Coming, via Middle English, from the Old English word stǣlwierthe, meaning "serviceable," stalwart describes people or things that are marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit, as revealed by traits such as loyalty and steadfastness, capability and dependability, or physical robustness. Old oak trees, for example, have long been described as stalwart for their imposing stature and endurance. A baseball team's closing pitcher may be deemed stalwart by showing mental fortitude in consistently striking out opposing batters in high-pressure situations. And a stalwart lover is one who, through thick and thin, is never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and hurt you.

Synonyms of stalwart

Adjective

• valiant
• courageous
• brave
• fearless
• gallant
• heroic

Choose the Right Synonym for stalwart

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 stalwart in a Sentence

Adjective

their strong and stalwart son

the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The brickmaker posted a 21% revenue bump for the first half of the year, boosted once again by its now-stalwart lines like botanical bouquets, Formula 1 race cars and collectible sets. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Over the weekend the Palisades Angelini returned in its same location — including its large patio — and with its stalwart menu of Italian specialties and wines for daily lunch and dinner. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

Indie film stalwart Neil LaBute is set to receive a career honor at the Oldenburg International Film Festival, which will dedicate a retrospective to the American filmmaker and playwright and host the world premiere of his latest film, Murderous. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Nvidia has been the stalwart for the artificial intelligence trade that has catapulted the broader market to all-time highs. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English stǣlwierthe serviceable

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

stalwart

1 of 2 adjective

stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt 

: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of mind, body, or spirit

has stalwart common sense

a stalwart team of rescuers

stalwartly adverb

stalwart

2 of 2 noun

1

: a stalwart person

2

: a loyal supporter (as in politics)