stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈsta-mə-nə 

1

: the bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity : endurance

a workout program that builds strength and stamina

These horses are bred for speed and stamina.

The use of pharmaceuticals to enhance memory, focus, and mental stamina in healthy brains is known generally as cognitive enhancement …

—Paul McFedries

2

: the moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. : staying power

The network of obligations to family and community underpinned the soldier's moral stamina …

—Joseph Allan Frank

Examples of stamina in a Sentence

Do you have the stamina to finish the job?

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s always been the case that the big auto OEMs were unlikely to have the stamina for this race. —Brad Templeton, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Walking has been shown to improve strength, stamina, and flexibility and reduce the risk or severity of several chronic health concerns. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 4 Dec. 2024

Staying in shape, having stamina is critical for me. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 2 Dec. 2024

Beyond the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, Osborn attributes Trump’s health and stamina to his high level of social interaction. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, plural of stamen warp, thread of life spun by the Fates

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: vigor sense 1, endurance

Medical Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease

restoration of weight, strength and stamina following recovery from major surgery

—The Journal of the American Medical Association