sturdy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
    hardy; stalwart; stout.
    • hardy explorers of northern Canada
    • proud of her tall stalwart son
    • stout seamen
    • sturdy young athletes
  2. adjective not making concessions
    uncompromising; inflexible.
    • took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks
    • uncompromising honesty
  3. adjective satellite substantially made or constructed
    tough.
    • sturdy steel shelves
    • sturdy canvas
    • a tough all-weather fabric
    • some plastics are as tough as metal

WordNet

Stur"dy adjective
Etymology
OE. sturdi inconsiderable, OF. estourdi stunned, giddy, thoughtless, rash, F. étourdi, p.p. of OF. estourdir to stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. étourdir; of uncertain origin. The sense has probably been influenced by E. stout.
Wordforms
comparative Sturdier ; superlative Sturdiest
Definitions
  1. Foolishly obstinate or resolute; stubborn; unrelenting; unfeeling; stern.
    This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress To rue upon her wifely steadfastness. Chaucer.
    This must be done, and I would fain see Mortal so sturdy as to gainsay. Hudibras.
    A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he took the first steps. Atterbury.
  2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality; as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.
  3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong; lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout.
    How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! Gray.
  4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. Milton.
    He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs rather sturdy than dainty. Sir H. Wotton.
    Syn. -- Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.
Stur"dy noun
Etymology
OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction.
Definitions
  1. (Vet.) A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor.

Webster 1913