Jump to:

• stout
  stout

  adjective

  bulky in figure; heavily built; corpulent; thickset; fat.
• Stout
  Stout

  noun

  Rex (Todhunter) 1886–1975, U.S. detective novelist.

stout

¹ American  

[stout] / staʊt /

adjective

stouter, stoutest

1. bulky in figure; heavily built; corpulent; thickset; fat.

   She is getting too stout for her dresses.

   Synonyms:

   fleshy, portly, stocky, rotund, big

   Antonyms:

   skinny, slim, slender, lean, thin, scrawny

2. bold, brave, or dauntless.

   a stout heart; stout fellows.

   Synonyms:

   courageous, indomitable, fearless, intrepid, gallant, valiant

   Antonyms:

   fearful, timid, cowardly, craven, timorous

3. firm; stubborn; resolute.

   stout resistance.

   Synonyms:

   stanch, steadfast, indomitable, obstinate

4. forceful; vigorous.

   a stout argument; a stout wind.

   Synonyms:

   violent, sharp, intense

5. strong of body; hearty; sturdy.

   stout seamen.

   Synonyms:

   robust, husky, strapping, sinewy, brawny

6. having endurance or staying power, as a horse.

   Synonyms:

   steady, stalwart

7. strong in substance or body, as a beverage.

   Antonyms:

   flat, bland, tasteless, weak

8. strong and thick or heavy.

   a stout cudgel.

---

noun

1. a dark, sweet brew made of roasted malt and having a higher percentage of hops than porter.

2. porter of extra strength.

3. a stout person.

4. a garment size designed for a stout man.

5. a garment, as a suit or overcoat, in this size.

Stout ² American  

[stout] / staʊt /

noun

1. Rex (Todhunter) 1886–1975, U.S. detective novelist.

2. Robert, 1844–1930, New Zealand jurist and statesman: prime minister 1884–87.

---

stout ¹ British  

/ staʊt /

adjective

1. solidly built or corpulent

2. (prenominal) resolute or valiant

   stout fellow

3. strong, substantial, and robust

4. courage; resolution

---

noun

1. strong porter highly flavoured with malt

Stout ² British  

/ staʊt /

noun

1. Sir Robert. 1844–1930, New Zealand statesman, born in Scotland: prime minister of New Zealand (1884–87)

---

Related Words

Stout, fat, plump imply corpulence of body. Stout describes a heavily built but usually strong and healthy body: a handsome stout lady. Fat, an informal word with unpleasant connotations, suggests an unbecoming fleshy stoutness; it may, however, apply also to a hearty fun-loving type of stout person: a fat old man; fat and jolly. Plump connotes a pleasing roundness and is often used as a complimentary or euphemistic equivalent for stout, fleshy, etc.: a pleasingly plump figure attractively dressed.

Other Word Forms

• overstout
  adjective
• overstoutly
  adverb
• overstoutness
  noun
• stoutish
  adjective
• stoutly
  adverb
• stoutness
  noun
• unstout
  adjective
• unstoutly
  adverb
• unstoutness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of stout

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English adjective stute, from Old French estout “bold, proud,” from Germanic; compare Middle Dutch stout “bold,” Middle Low German stolt, Middle High German stolz “proud”

Explanation

Stout describes something fat, dependable, or rugged. If someone calls you stout, ask them exactly what they mean before bursting into tears and skipping dinner. It could be a compliment! Most supermodels would not want to be described as stout, which is often a nicer way of saying "fat." But a little teapot doesn't mind being "short and stout." Something stout is dependable, too, like your favorite snow boots that keep your feet dry winter after winter. Since it also means "sturdy," if you call that supermodel stout when he prances through the finish line of a triathlon, he'll just pump his fist in agreement.

Example Sentences

Churchill was a short, stout, luxury-loving aristocrat, while de Gaulle was a tall, angular ascetic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

After a stout display of Irish defending, Wales landed some big hits on the hosts at the other end before Crowley darted through a gap for a well-taken try that he failed to convert.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Speaking to AFP after a conference at the French Institute of International Relations think tank, Wright said Europe should not worry as the United States remained a "stout ally".

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

As the NBA season breaks for All-Star weekend, there is one player who is single-handedly leading his fractured team to victory after victory, with his great scoring, passing and stout defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Princess Eilonwy and the stout, baldheaded Coll, meantime, had been helping Taran pick himself up.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• hulking
• indomitable
• muscular
• staunch
• sturdy
• tenacious
• vigorous