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 tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The film, which lands in theaters June 27 before a streaming release on Apple TV+, is a deft addition to a sturdy lineage of motorsport flicks, from Rush and Gran Turismo to Ford v Ferrari and, most recently, Ferrari. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025

Ideal for making holes in the ground, transferring plants, and softening up soil, the tools are manufactured from sturdy carbon steel but are also lightweight and easy to manipulate. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

The bottom shelf has that classic handwoven top that is sturdy enough for a stack of small library books or a basket of your favorite magazines. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 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