stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈsta-mə-nə 

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

Fighters looking to gain an unfair advantage may take this steroid to overcome an injury quickly, assist in cutting weight, or increase their stamina ahead of a fight. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

It has been linked to improved stamina, concentration, and memory, as well as relieving depression and anxiety. —Roxana Ehsani, Health, 24 Sep. 2024

The physical stamina of the boat stuff was really difficult. —Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2024

Djokovic kept his stamina even after a handful of points that left him running to his water bottle. —Sean Gregory / Paris, TIME, 4 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, plural of stamen warp, thread of life spun by the Fates

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: vigor sense 1, endurance

Medical Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: 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

—The Journal of the American Medical Association