First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
sturdy
adjective stur·dy \ˈstər-dē\
: strongly made
: strong and healthy
: having or showing mental or emotional strength
stur·di·erstur·di·est
Full Definition of STURDY
1
a : firmly built or constituted : stout b : hardy <sturdy plants> c : sound in design or execution : substantial
2
— stur·di·ly \ˈstər-də-lē\ adverb
— stur·di·ness \ˈstər-dē-nəs\ noun
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Origin of STURDY
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
Related to STURDY
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
STURDINESS Defined for Kids
sturdy
adjective stur·dy \ˈstər-dē\
stur·di·erstur·di·est
Definition of STURDY for Kids
1
: firmly built or made <The branch was sturdy enough to support his weight.>
2
: strong and healthy in body : robust
Medical Dictionary
sturdy
noun stur·dy \ˈstərd-ē\
plural sturdies
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