hearty

American  

[hahr-tee] / ˈhɑr ti /

adjective

heartier, heartiest

1. warm-hearted; affectionate; cordial; jovial.

   a hearty welcome.

2. genuine; sincere; heartfelt.

   hearty approval; hearty dislike.

3. completely devoted; wholehearted.

   hearty support.

4. exuberant; unrestrained.

   hearty laughter.

5. violent; forceful.

   a hearty push; a hearty kick.

6. physically vigorous; strong and well.

   hale and hearty.

7. substantial; abundant; nourishing.

   a hearty meal.

8. enjoying or requiring abundant food.

   a hearty appetite.

9. (of soil) fertile.

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noun

Archaic.

plural

hearties

1. a brave or good fellow, especially with reference to a shipmate.

2. a sailor.

hearty British  

/ ˈhɑːtɪ /

adjective

1. warm and unreserved in manner or behaviour

2. vigorous and enthusiastic

   a hearty slap on the back

3. sincere and heartfelt

   hearty dislike

4. healthy and strong (esp in the phrase hale and hearty )

5. substantial and nourishing

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noun

1. a comrade, esp a sailor

2. a vigorous sporting man

   a rugby hearty

hearty Idioms  

1. see hale and hearty.

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Other Word Forms

• heartiness noun
• overheartiness noun
• overhearty adjective
• quasi-hearty adjective
• superheartiness noun
• superhearty adjective
• unhearty adjective

Etymology

Origin of hearty

First recorded in 1350–1400, hearty is from the Middle English word herti. See heart, -y ¹

Explanation

Hearty describes abundant, full, and satisfying things, and lively, strong, and enthusiastic people. A bowl of thick chili with cheese and a glass of milk is hearty. A spoon of water with a grape? Not so hearty. You can't miss the "heart" in hearty. Words like "wholehearted" and "half-hearted" also have "heart" and are a help in remembering the adjective hearty. If you put your whole heart into anything from walking a dog to saying good morning to your friends, you're hearty and full of life. Something half-hearted is weak and not hearty. A loud laugh that fills a room is very hearty; you can almost feel its fullness. If it comes from the heart and adds well-being and happiness, it's probably hearty.

Example Sentences

“The popularity of these hearty, value-driven, high-quality offerings was so positive that we made the strategic decision to keep both bowls as permanent menu items,” Williams said on the Thursday earnings call.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Stuffed cabbages, for example, are a hearty delicacy that transcends geographical borders.

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2026

The meat is then turned into a tomato-based sauce that’s hearty and thick in consistency.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Let us remember, as the author does, the hearty appetites of the 19th century.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

There was a hearty debate in the village over the spirit of the goofer.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• cheery
• cordial
• ebullient
• exuberant
• generous
• genial
• genuine
• heartfelt
• passionate
• sincere
• warm