sturdy
1 Americanadjective
-
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
- sturdied adjective
- sturdily adverb
- sturdiness noun
- unsturdily adverb
- unsturdiness noun
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”
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.
She’s got long blond hair that goes all the way down to her sturdy, thick waist, and a very pretty face that’s been weathered by the sun.
From Literature
Underpinning their optimism is Goldman’s outlook for sturdy global economic growth with low inflation, easier monetary policy, and improved fiscal situations in some economies.
From Barron's
In his village, a few kilometres from Kone's, the houses look sturdier.
From Barron's
The Freeway Fan survives with a strong voice, sturdy banners, and undying hope.
From Los Angeles Times
The other end was covered by a sturdy metal grate with a big stinky hunk of meat hanging on it to lure a bear into the trap.
From Literature
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.
