stalwart

¹

[stawl-wert]

adjective

1. strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust.

2. strong and brave; valiant.

   a stalwart knight.

3. firm, steadfast, or uncompromising.

   a stalwart supporter of the U.N.

noun

1. a physically stalwart person.

2. a steadfast or uncompromising partisan.

   They counted on the party stalwarts for support in the off-year campaigns.

Stalwart

²

[stawl-wert]

noun

1. a conservative Republican in the 1870s and 1880s, especially one opposed to civil service and other reforms during the administrations of presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and James A. Garfield.

stalwart

/ ˈstɔːlwət /

adjective

1. strong and sturdy; robust

2. solid, dependable, and courageous

   stalwart citizens

3. resolute and firm

noun

1. a stalwart person, esp a supporter

Other Word Forms

• stalwartness noun
• stalwartly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stalwart¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (Scots), variant of stalward, earlier stalwurthe; stalworth

Word History and Origins

Origin of stalwart¹

Old English stǣlwirthe serviceable, from stǣl , shortened from stathol support + wierthe _worth ¹

Example Sentences

Their third candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, is a former minister and party stalwart, but has little public profile and is in poor health.

From BBC

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland described Rev Smyth as "a leader of unwavering principle and determination through often difficult times and a stalwart of the Orange cause".

From BBC

One of the stalwarts of Swinging London, the working class actor's first film earned him an Oscar nomination.

From BBC

The Sparks’ stalwart finished with 26 points alongside five rebounds and five assists.

From Los Angeles Times

It should endear a double World Cup winner and modern-day stalwart even further to the English sporting public.

From BBC

Related Words

• dependable 
• fearless 
• indomitable 
• intrepid 
• redoubtable 
• staunch 
• stout 
• tenacious 
• vigorous