sturdy

¹

[stur-dee]

adjective

sturdier, sturdiest 

1. strongly built; stalwart; robust.

   sturdy young athletes.

   Synonyms: powerful, strong, stout, sinewy, brawny, muscular, hardy
   Antonyms: weak

2. strong, as in substance, construction, or texture.

   sturdy walls.

3. firm; courageous; indomitable.

   the sturdy defenders of the Alamo.

   Synonyms: unconquerable, determined, vigorous, resolute

4. of strong or hardy growth, as a plant.

sturdy

²

[stur-dee]

noun

Veterinary Pathology.

1. gid.

sturdy

¹

/ ˈstɜːdɪ /

adjective

1. healthy, strong, and vigorous

2. strongly built; stalwart

sturdy

²

/ ˈstɜːdɪ /

noun

1. vet science another name for staggers gid

Other Word Forms

• sturdily adverb
• sturdiness noun
• sturdied adjective
• unsturdily adverb
• unsturdiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sturdy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English stourdi, from Old French estourdi “dazed, reckless, stunned, violent,” past participle of estourdir “to daze, stun,” of disputed origin; perhaps ultimately from Latin ex- ex- ¹ ( def. ) + a verb derivative of torpidus “numb,” turbus “disturbed,” or turdus “thrush”

Origin of sturdy²

First recorded in 1560–70; noun use of sturdy ¹ in obsolete sense “giddy”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sturdy¹

C13 (in the sense: rash, harsh): from Old French estordi dazed, from estordir to stun, perhaps ultimately related to Latin turdus a thrush (taken as representing drunkenness)

Origin of sturdy²

C17: from _sturdy ¹ (in the obsolete sense: giddy)

Example Sentences

Dallas should be able to move the ball some, but Philadelphia is sturdier in the trenches.

From Los Angeles Times

After spending one year with the Chicago Bears, the Loyola High grad returned to anchor the center of the offensive line, which is sturdier and more seasoned.

From Los Angeles Times

Hell, for the “Twilight” franchise, which will return to theaters this fall, even a sturdy anniversary number didn’t matter.

From Salon

But for all Cho’s acclaim in Ravel, he played with sturdy authority.

From Los Angeles Times

The sturdy blond comes from the best-known roping family in the Texas Panhandle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bulky 
• hearty 
• hulking 
• muscular 
• powerful 
• robust 
• rugged 
• stiff 
• stout 
• strapping 
• strong