sturdy

adjective

stur·​dy ˈstər-dē 

sturdier; sturdiest

1

a

: firmly built or constituted : stout

b

: hardy

sturdy plants

c

: sound in design or execution : substantial

2

a

: marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor

b

: firm, resolute

c

: rugged, stable

sturdily

ˈstər-də-lē 

adverb

sturdiness

ˈstər-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• cast-iron
• hard
• hard-bitten
• hardened
• hardy
• inured
• rugged
• stout
• strong
• tough
• toughened
• vigorous

Choose the Right Synonym for sturdy

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 sturdy in a Sentence

a dog with a strong sturdy build

it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Recent Examples on the Web

Or perhaps the young planet could have been struck by a large impactor that stripped away most of the softer outer layer, leaving behind its sturdier heart. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

True to Stoney’s background as former defensive leader for the English national team, the Wave take not only luggage on the road but also a sturdy defense. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024

In addition to being sturdy, the materials (nylon and spandex) were of great quality, non-irritating, and incredibly comfortable. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 10 Apr. 2024

But overall, there’s a strong case that moviegoing has proved to be relatively sturdy despite persistent difficulties. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

The buttons are sturdy and responsive, while the fingerprint sensor is fairly reliable. —PCMAG, 6 Apr. 2024

The original concept of the California company was to elevate IKEA cabinet boxes with designer doors and panels, bringing affordable luxury to IKEA’s sturdy, reliable products. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

The soft case is sturdy and durable and comes with a 5-year warranty. —Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2024

Shoppers say the magnets are extremely strong, and the shelves are sturdy. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French esturdi stunned, from past participle of esturdir to stun, from Vulgar Latin *exturdire, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *turdus simpleton, from Latin turdus thrush — more at thrush

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sturdy

adjective

stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē 

sturdier; sturdiest

1

a

: firmly built or made

a sturdy ship

b

: strong and healthy in body : hardy, robust

2

: firm entry 1 sense 3, resolute

sturdy self-reliance

sturdily

ˈstərd-ᵊl-ē 

adjective

sturdiness

ˈstərd-ē-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

sturdy

noun

stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē 

plural sturdies

: gid