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

Huawei says the main foldable display is built on top of a carbon fiber glass plate which helps reinforce the screen, and the hinge connecting the moving parts feel sturdy and reassuring. —Ben Sin, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

This sturdy ice scraper has a padded, ergonomic handle that makes for an easy grip with or without gloves. —Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

For best results, use sturdy 40-pound watercolor paper to ensure the lanterns hold up beautifully. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024

The 2009 vintage has ethereal aromas of violet, blackberry, and powdered cocoa with a sturdy tannic backbone and flavors of Luxardo cherry, black raspberry, and creamy vanilla. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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