sturdy

adjective

stur·​dy ˈstər-dē 

sturdier; sturdiest

1

a

: firmly built or constituted : stout

b

: hardy

sturdy plants

c

: sound in design or execution : substantial

2

a

: marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor

b

: firm, resolute

c

: rugged, stable

sturdily

ˈstər-də-lē 

adverb

sturdiness

ˈstər-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

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

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 shed has built-in ventilation, a window, sturdy flooring, and a padlock-compatible locking mechanism on the door. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

These insights shaped every detail of the grill—from the cook engine to the closed cabinet that discreetly hides the gas tank to the sturdy stainless-steel handle, a signature of Weber quality. —Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The Blue Jackets signed another college free agent on Wednesday, adding stout and sturdy defenseman Caleb MacDonald from the University of North Dakota on a two-year entry-level contract that begins next season. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

It’s designed for use by anyone of any skill level and is sturdy enough to last but soft enough for gentle landings. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for sturdy

• birdie
• gurdy
• purdy
• thirty
• wordy

Kids Definition

sturdy

adjective

stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē 

sturdier; sturdiest

1

a

: firmly built or made

a sturdy ship

b

: strong and healthy in body : hardy, robust

2

: firm entry 1 sense 3, resolute

sturdy self-reliance

sturdily

ˈstərd-ᵊl-ē 

adjective

sturdiness

ˈstərd-ē-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

sturdy

noun

stur·​dy ˈstərd-ē 

plural sturdies

: gid