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

The compression socks were a tip from Meyer, who had gotten the idea from a brain-surgeon friend, to help with stamina when he’s on his feet for sessions that can last up to five hours.

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With just a week left before the test, he was focused on managing his stamina and condition.

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It’s a technically involved show, but also one that requires a lot of stamina and fitness from its cast.

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Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humour and resilience and I will miss working with him.

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He is waiting to see whether they have the stamina to keep up their fast start.

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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.