stature

noun

stat·​ure ˈsta-chər How to pronounce stature (audio)
1
: natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
2
: quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement

Examples of stature in a Sentence

The university has grown in stature during her time as president. a man of surprisingly great stature
Recent Examples on the Web Don’t be fooled by its small stature; this compact marvel packs impressive suction capabilities, effortlessly tackling crumbs, dust, and debris in the smallest nooks and crannies. Priscilla Mak, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2023 But for all its didactic digressions and the stylistic extravagance of the storytelling, the series is deeply felt and, the stature of its hero notwithstanding, life-sized. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 The Israelis, however, continued to press, hoping the pope’s stature would aid their cause. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023 Sabu gained his citizenship just prior to two significant geopolitical and cultural shifts that directly impacted the stature of South Asians in both his home and adopted countries, as the film scholar Michael Lawrence points out in his 2014 monograph, Sabu. Hazlitt, 29 Nov. 2023 Back in China, the state-run media curated Xi’s talks with Biden to highlight China’s stature as a global equal to the United States, said Madoka Fukuda, a professor of international politics and China studies at Tokyo’s Hosei University. Christopher Bodeen, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023 Despite the competition, the most focus-pulling are two women of equal stature in reality TV history: Pollard and The Apprentice (and the White House) star Omarosa. Vulture, 3 Nov. 2023 Kelly’s stature was raised even more as the event scored 24 million viewers, the largest audience ever for a primary debate. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023 Often underestimated due to her physical stature and health conditions, the protagonist nonetheless proves her grit and strength and wields immense powers over the course of the first book. Jen Yamato, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French estature, stature, from Latin statura, from status, past participle of stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stature was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near stature

Cite this Entry

“Stature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stature. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

stature

noun
stat·​ure ˈstach-ər How to pronounce stature (audio)
1
: natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
2
: quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement
artists of stature

Medical Definition

stature

noun
stat·​ure ˈstach-ər How to pronounce stature (audio)
: natural height (as of a person) in an upright position

More from Merriam-Webster on stature

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