hardy

adjective

har·​dy ˈhär-dē 

hardier; hardiest

1

: bold, brave

a hardy intrepid spirit

2

: audacious, brazen

3

a

: accustomed to dealing with fatigue or hardships : robust

The soldiers were strong and hardy.

b

: capable of withstanding adverse conditions

hardy outdoor furniture

hardy plants

hardy cattle

hardily

ˈhär-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

hardiness

ˈhär-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• cast-iron
• hard
• hard-bitten
• hardened
• inured
• rugged
• stout
• strong
• sturdy
• tough
• toughened
• vigorous

Examples of hardy in a Sentence

Most of the soldiers were hardy young men.

Hardy fans stuck with the team through good times and bad.

Only the hardiest pilgrims made the journey.

Recent Examples on the Web

Temperature and Humidity Mountain mint is a hardy perennial that can thrive in cold temperatures and hot, humid summers in Zones 4-8. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2025

These hardy perennials will thrive in outdoor pots well into zone 6. Boxwood Botanical Name: Buxus species and hybrids Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) Boxwoods are hard-working shrubs, providing rich color and year-round structure. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

Image This is a lot to ask of a literary plot, but the story is quite hardy: It’s been around for over 200 years. —Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

The build started at the naval military division of the prestigious German shipyard Lürssen—a testament to its explorer capabilities and hardy nature. —Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hardi, from Anglo-French, from Old French *hardir to make hard, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English heard hard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hardy

• half-hardy

Kids Definition

hardy

adjective

har·​dy ˈhärd-ē 

hardier; hardiest

1

: bold sense 1a, brave

2

: able to stand fatigue or hardships : robust

3

: able to survive unfavorable conditions (as of weather)

a hardy rose bush

hardily

ˈhärd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

hardiness

ˈhärd-ē-nəs 

noun

Biographical Definition

Hardy 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Har·​dy ˈhär-dē 

Oliver 1892–1957 originally Norvell Hardy American comic actor

Hardy

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Thomas 1840–1928 English novelist and poet

Hardyesque

ˌhär-dē-ˈesk 

adjective