WordGarden.iosturdy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɜːdi/
US
- /ˈstɜrdi/
Meanings
Adjective
strong and solidly built; not easily damaged or knocked over
Beyond the definition
Think of an old oak tree standing through a storm: that is the feeling of this word. It describes something made in a strong, solid, reliable way, able to handle weight, pressure, or rough use. A sturdy table will not wobble when you put things on it, and a sturdy house can stand up to wind and weather for years. You can also use it for people, especially someone who is strongly built and looks healthy and steady. It is more than just strong; it suggests lasting support and trust.
The word "sturdy" evokes an image of strength, reliability, and robustness. It describes something that is not only physically strong but also well-constructed and capable of enduring hardship or heavy use. Think of a sturdy ship braving rough seas, or a sturdy pair of boots built to withstand miles of hiking.
"Sturdy" is most often used for physical things such as furniture, buildings, tools, shoes, or other objects that need to last. It often suggests a kind of practical strength: not delicate, not flimsy, and not likely to break easily. A sturdy chair feels safe to sit on, and a sturdy bridge gives you confidence that it will hold firm.
You can also use "sturdy" for people. In that case, it usually means strongly built, healthy, and able to handle physical effort. A sturdy child, for example, might be full of energy and look strong and solid. It can sometimes suggest emotional steadiness too, but that is a less direct use than the physical one.
The word implies a sense of solid construction and lasting quality. While "strong" simply describes force, "sturdy" suggests a deliberate design for durability. You wouldn't call a fleeting burst of power "sturdy," but you would describe a well-made wooden chair as sturdy because it's built to last.
So, whether you are describing furniture, buildings, boots, or people, "sturdy" points to solid strength and the ability to stand up to use, pressure, or time. It is the kind of quality that makes something, or someone, feel dependable.
Examples
- 1
Furniture
We bought a sturdy table for the kitchen.
- 2
Safety check
Make sure the ladder is sturdy before you climb up.
- 3
Clothing
She wore sturdy boots for the long walk across the hills.
- 4
Holding weight
The box is small, but it's sturdy enough to hold all the books.
- Patternsturdy enough to + verb
strong enough to do that action
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Physical health
He was a sturdy child who never seemed to get tired.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sturdynounadjective
Forms
- sturdiercomparativeadjectivenoun
- sturdiestsuperlativeadjectivenoun