sturdy
1 Americanadjective
-
sturdier,
comparative
-
sturdiest
superlative
-
strongly built; stalwart; robust.
sturdy young athletes.
- Antonyms:
- weak
-
strong, as in substance, construction, or texture.
sturdy walls.
-
firm; courageous; indomitable.
the sturdy defenders of the Alamo.
- Synonyms:
- unconquerable, determined, vigorous, resolute
-
of strong or hardy growth, as a plant.
noun
adjective
-
healthy, strong, and vigorous
-
strongly built; stalwart
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Adjectives
Etymology
Origin of sturdy1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English stourdi, from Old French estourdi “dazed, reckless, stunned, violent,” past participle of estourdir “to daze, stun,” of disputed origin; perhaps ultimately from Latin ex- ex- 1 ( def. ) + a verb derivative of torpidus “numb,” turbus “disturbed,” or turdus “thrush”
Origin of sturdy2
First recorded in 1560–70; noun use of sturdy 1 in obsolete sense “giddy”
Explanation
Describe something that is firmly constructed or strongly made as sturdy. That house you built was not sturdy at all. It blew down in the last wind storm. Fortunately, it was only a dog house and the dog wasn't in it. Physical strength and robust health can also be described as sturdy. Your grandmother is pushing 80, but she is still pretty sturdy if she can beat you at tennis. The adjective sturdy can also describe something (or someone) determined, firm, stalwart, and steady. Hopefully, you and your siblings have a sturdy relationship, so you can withstand all the bickering over who gets to ride shotgun in the car.
Vocabulary lists containing sturdy
The Cay
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Beowulf vocabulary
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vigorous Vocab: Synonyms for "Strong"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Then come the chips: hot, sturdy, generously salted, piled into black woven baskets alongside ramekins of fire-engine-red mild salsa and a darker, spicier version flecked with onion and jalapeño.
From Salon ● Oct. 7, 2026
The job market has cooled from the postpandemic surge, but remains sturdy, with unemployment hovering at historically low rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
For termites, it provides protective armor while also creating sturdy attachment points for muscles.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
When Atrakchi and Meister hike with Taita, they carry a sturdy, mesh backpack in case Taita gets tired or nervous around dogs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
“It’s way more sturdy than paper. Even more when you wrap it up with duct tape, the greatest invention ever.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Scanlon would have everything from thin, shiny shellac to sturdier "Builder In A Bottle" gel manicures layered onto her nails every other week without fail.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
Odds of a September rate increase rose and kept climbing as economic developments suggested sturdier growth and stickier inflation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
I just want them a little drier, a little sturdier, with some browning around the edges.
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026
Simple upgrades like replacing cheap doors with sturdier ones and switching out hinges can actually go a long way in enhancing a home’s appeal to future buyers.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026
Maggie was shorter than Honoria but sturdier of disposition.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Identifying the sturdiest pairing is another decision that could prove pivotal as England and Tuchel aim for a strong start to their campaign.
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2026
The Bottom Line: Airline stocks are infamously volatile; if you’re going to take a flier, go for the sturdiest.
From Barron's ● Apr. 12, 2026
The sturdiest defense in the league has allowed just 22 goals in 29 games, the club’s attack has outscored 18 other teams this season.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 1, 2026
That dedication to authenticity has helped “Fire Country” become one of the sturdiest series on CBS’ prime-time schedule since premiering October 2022.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2025
The Office/Camp Shop was the sturdiest of the structures we had passed so far, built in a more permanent style than the smaller log cabins with their dark green doors.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
