stalwart

noun

1

: a stalwart person

2

: an unwavering partisan

Did you know?

Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to use stalwart in place of the older form stalworth. Although stalworth is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for today's meaning of stalwart. During the 12th century, forms of stalworth began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning stalwart carries). It also came to be used as an adjective for people who showed bravery or courage (likewise a meaning passed on to stalwart). So, in a way, stalwart has been serviceable in keeping the spirit of stalworth alive. This character of stalwart is true to its roots. Stalworth came from the Old English word stǣlwierthe (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."

Examples of stalwart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tribune’s Editorial Board, a longtime Republican stalwart, called for his resignation. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026

Treatments use products by Valmont, organic stalwart Bamford and west of Ireland brand Voya. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

For example, wiring problems on the Max have pushed deliveries scheduled for Q1 into Q2, and a shortage of business class seats is delaying output on its widebody stalwart, the 787. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 June 2026

Ruca is working with a top star in Becky Lynch who has a long track record of elevating new talents, and that’s precisely what Lynch should do for the former NXT stalwart at WWE Clash in Italy. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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)