vigorous

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adjective vig·or·ous \ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs\

Definition of vigorous

1 : done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically vigorous exercises
2 : possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : strong a vigorous youth a vigorous plant

vigorously

adverb

vigorousness

noun

See vigorous defined for English-language learners

See vigorous defined for kids

Examples of vigorous in a Sentence

She remained vigorous into her nineties.
His speech was met with vigorous applause.
She gave a vigorous defense of her beliefs.

Recent Examples of vigorous from the Web

Trump opened his second visit to Europe at a Polish castle, welcomed by President Andrzej Duda and a vigorous handshake.

— darlene superville, The Seattle Times, "Trump opens second visit to Europe in Poland", 6 July 2017
Take them from healthy, vigorous shoots in early summer and stick them into pots filled with equal amounts of sphagnum peat moss and horticultural perlite.

— neil sperry, star-telegram.com, "What makes heat-loving lantanas so tough? Well, they’re native Texans, for starters", 5 July 2017
By naming his current string of dates the Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour, Bryan acknowledges the vigorous lifestyle embraced by his vast fan base.

— bill brownlee, kansascity.com, "Five top shows in July: OneRepublic; Queen + Adam Lambert; Luke Bryan", 3 July 2017
Today, many CF kids become CF adults, thanks in part to vigorous treatments like the vest, which costs about $20,000.

— jen gann, The Cut, "The New GOP Bill Would Be a Disaster for Families Like Mine", 23 June 2017
Here are some: Kastooree (Mangifera casturi): Kastooree (or kasturi) is a vigorous tree that forms a tight, upright canopy with shiny, dark green leaves contrasted with bright red new growth.

— noris ledesma, miamiherald, "Taming the wild mango", 22 June 2017
Even after a run through the dishwasher or a vigorous scrub, your cutting board is probably still covered in harmful bacteria.

— kelly o'sullivan, Country Living, "Washing Your Cutting Board With Dish Soap Could Make You Very Sick", 16 June 2017
But since March, Afghan forces supported by American Special Operations troops have been mounting a vigorous campaign against the Islamic State in Achin District, also in the Spin Ghar range but about 50 miles to the east of Tora Bora.

— rod nordland and fahim abed, New York Times, "ISIS Captures Tora Bora, Once Bin Laden’s Afghan Fortress", 14 June 2017
Dry beans must be subjected to vigorous boiling for at least 20 minutes after soaking to destroy that toxic substance.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Safety first when it comes to toxic beans", 9 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of vigorous

Middle English vigorous, vigrous, from Anglo-French, from vigour

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of vigorous

vigorous, energetic, strenuous, lusty, nervous mean having or showing great vitality and force. vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness. as vigorous as a youth half his age energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity. an energetic campaigner strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging. the strenuous life on an oil rig lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment. a lusty appetite for life nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor. full of nervous energy