1
: being tough, stubborn, or uncompromising
2

Examples of hard-nosed in a Sentence

the team's hard-nosed coach doesn't make exceptions for anybody
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 21 of Drysdale’s 38 games this season, he’s started alongside the hard-nosed shot-blocking veteran. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025 Jackson and Emanuel may be worlds apart politically, but these hard-nosed operators relish a fight. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 That leads us to Brent Seabrook and his 1,114 games, a classic example of the dependable, hard-nosed blueliner archetype that will show up often on this list. Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 Philadelphians love players who are hard-nosed, hard-working and give their best effort on every play. Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hard-nosed 

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-nosed was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near hard-nosed

Cite this Entry

“Hard-nosed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-nosed. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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