1 sturdier | Definition of sturdier
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sturdy

adjective
stur·​dy | \ ˈstÉ™r-dÄ“ How to pronounce sturdy (audio) \
sturdier; sturdiest

Definition of sturdy

1a : firmly built or constituted : stout
b : hardy sturdy plants
c : sound in design or execution : substantial
2a : marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor
b : firm, resolute
c : rugged, stable
Other Words from sturdy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about sturdy

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Other Words from sturdy

sturdily \ ˈstÉ™r-​dÉ™-​lÄ“ How to pronounce sturdily (audio) \ adverb
sturdiness \ ˈstÉ™r-​dÄ“-​nÉ™s How to pronounce sturdiness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for sturdy

strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious mean showing power to resist or to endure. strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. strong arms the defense has a strong case stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. stout hiking boots sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. a sturdy table people of sturdy independence stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. stalwart environmentalists tough implies great firmness and resiliency. a tough political opponent tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Examples of sturdy in a Sentence

a dog with a strong sturdy build it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Recent Examples on the Web

 The Tumulus, as it is officially known, is under the jurisdiction of Historic England, a governmental body concerned with English heritage, and so, though most of the Heath is open meadow or woodland, the Tumulus is circled by sturdy iron railings. — Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, "The Brexit Warnings to Be Found in Sheep Grazing in a London Park," 3 Sep. 2019 Once dried, the plaster jackets formed a sturdy shell protecting the dinosaur bones inside. — Hans-dieter Sues, Smithsonian, "How to Discover Dinosaurs," 3 Sep. 2019 Many of the shortcomings of the previous autumn ― tackling, susceptibility to a sturdy run game and a discombobulated offense ― reared themselves against No. — Joey Knight, orlandosentinel.com, "Wisconsin clobbers USF, hands Bulls worst loss in school history," 31 Aug. 2019 The ability to defeat Donald Trump — the centerpiece of his campaign rationale — has become less sturdy as polls indicate other candidates, too, could beat the incumbent in a hypothetical match up. — Philip Elliott, Time, "Fall Campaign Season Begins With Biden Teetering Atop Democratic Field," 31 Aug. 2019 There was a sturdy specimen from a specialty grocery store in Chicago. — Caille Millner, SFChronicle.com, "Dead giveaways: Yesterday’s swag today’s charitable donation," 30 Aug. 2019 Nearly all of last year’s skill talent must be replaced, but tackles Adam Karas and Garrett Bishop anchor a sturdy offensive line. — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, "Class 5A football preseason top 10: Can someone knock off Valor Christian?," 28 Aug. 2019 Feeding Trump’s anxiety, aides say, is his realization that the economy — the one sturdy pillar undergirding his bid for a second term — is undeniably wobbly. — Jill Colvin, BostonGlobe.com, "Global economic slowdown hovers over Trump and other G-7 leaders at summit," 24 Aug. 2019 The Steel City has more than played its part in establishing the sturdy foundations for what would become a global movement, transcending sport itself. — SI.com, "Sheffield United's Premier League Return Can Reinvigorate Football in the Steel City," 13 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sturdy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sturdy

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for sturdy

Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French esturdi stunned, from past participle of esturdir to stun, from Vulgar Latin *exturdire, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *turdus simpleton, from Latin turdus thrush — more at thrush

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More Definitions for sturdy

sturdy

adjective
How to pronounce sturdy (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sturdy

: strongly made
: strong and healthy
: having or showing mental or emotional strength

See the full definition for sturdy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sturdy

adjective
stur·​dy | \ ˈstÉ™r-dÄ“ How to pronounce sturdy (audio) \
sturdier; sturdiest

Kids Definition of sturdy

1 : firmly built or made The branch was sturdy enough to support his weight.
2 : strong and healthy in body : robust
3 : resolute

Other Words from sturdy

sturdily \

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