stamina

stam·i·na | \ ˈsta-mə-nə

Definition of stamina

1 : the bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity : endurance a workout program that builds strength and stamina These horses are bred for speed and stamina. The use of pharmaceuticals to enhance memory, focus, and mental stamina in healthy brains is known generally as cognitive enhancement …— Paul McFedries

2 : the moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. : staying power The network of obligations to family and community underpinned the soldier's moral stamina …— Joseph Allan Frank

Examples of stamina in a Sentence

Do you have the stamina to finish the job?

Recent Examples on the Web The Biden event went an extra 90 minutes, which provided an inadvertent tribute to the Democrat’s stamina. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, "The Whiplash of Watching Two Town Halls From Different Planets," 15 Oct. 2020 While less bothered by Trump’s age, voters are not entirely sold on the president’s stamina. — W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner, "Public concerned about Biden's age, Washington Examiner/YouGov poll finds," 13 Oct. 2020 Unlike the conventions, executives said, the debates are intended as an unfiltered test of the candidates’ wits, stamina and ability to persuade the electorate. — Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, "How the Biden-Trump Debate Will Play on TV (Don’t Expect Fact-Checks)," 28 Sep. 2020 Years on, and thriving – not just surviving – each day entails both physical and mental stamina. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Former Iraq POW Jessica Lynch on what helps her thrive after captivity: 'Every day is a constant reminder'," 22 Sep. 2020 Duggan was sharp on throws early and late, and had the stamina to find the moves and the speed for the late touchdown even after getting hit hard several times during the game. — Jim Vertuno, Houston Chronicle, "Max Duggan, TCU stun No. 9 Texas again," 3 Oct. 2020 Look for the Democrat to walk a line between contrasting himself with the president and challenging the man who may continue his campaign attacks on Biden’s mental and physical stamina or his family. — Michelle L. Price, chicagotribune.com, "What and where to watch as Trump and Biden meet in Ohio for tonight’s first debate," 29 Sep. 2020 Look for the Democrat to walk a line between contrasting himself with the president and challenging the man who may continue his campaign attacks on Biden’s mental and physical stamina or his family. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, orlandosentinel.com, "Trump-Biden debate: What to watch for," 29 Sep. 2020 Prey species have less stamina to escape predators. — Sasha Greenspan, The Conversation, "Climate warming is altering animals’ gut microbes, which are critical to their health and survival," 28 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stamina.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

21 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Stamina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stamina. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for stamina

stamina

noun

English Language Learners Definition of stamina

: great physical or mental strength that allows you to continue doing something for a long time

See the full definition for stamina in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stamina

noun

stam·i·na | \ ˈsta-mə-nə

Kids Definition of stamina

: the ability or strength to keep doing something for a long time

stamina

noun

stam·i·na | \ ˈstam-ə-nə

Medical Definition of stamina

: the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease restoration of weight, strength and stamina following recovery from major surgery — Journal of the American Medical Association

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