stamina

¹

[stam-uh-nuh]

noun

1. strength of physical constitution; power to endure disease, fatigue, privation, etc.

stamina

²

[stam-uh-nuh]

noun

1. a plural of stamen.

stamina

¹

/ ˈstæmɪnə /

noun

1. enduring energy, strength, and resilience

stamina

²

/ ˈstæmɪnə /

noun

1. a plural of stamen

Other Word Forms

• staminal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stamina¹

1535–45; < Latin, plural of stāmen thread ( stamen ); i.e., the life-threads spun by the Fates

Word History and Origins

Origin of stamina¹

C19: identical with _stamina ² from Latin stāmen thread, hence the threads of life spun out by the Fates, hence energy, etc

Example Sentences

While older entrepreneurs might have lost some stamina, age has benefits.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Though Smith’s fractured right hand has healed, he is still in the process of rebuilding strength and stamina after missing the last few weeks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Look at what's happening in women's running, women are winning outright in ultra marathons and their stamina going fast can be prolonged, the whole future of women's running physically is very, very exciting," she says.

Read more on BBC

As a result, speculation about Mutharika's health is rife and there are questions about whether he has the stamina to lead Malawi again at the age of 85.

Read more on BBC

Whenever Ohtani takes the mound again, the Dodgers are hopeful that concerns about his pitching stamina will be somewhat assuaged.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• endurance 
• energy 
• fortitude 
• grit 
• resilience 
• staying power 
• vitality 

When To Use

What does stamina mean?

Stamina is endurance—the strength or energy to keep going, even when tired or facing other unfavorable conditions.The word is most commonly used in the context of sports to refer to the ability to continue performing despite fatigue. Athletes train to improve their stamina.Stamina is also the plural form of the word stamen, which is the part of a flower that produces pollen. Interestingly, both senses of the word are based on the same Latin root.Example: A lot of players are fast and strong, but it’s the ones who have worked to increase their stamina who are most effective at the end of a long game.