stout

1 of 2

adjective

1
: strong of character: such as
a
: brave, bold
2
: physically or materially strong:
c
: sturdily constructed : substantial
3
: forceful
a stout attack
also : violent
a stout wind
4
a
: bulky in body : fat
b
: broad in proportion to length : large in diameter
a stout fly
a stout bird's bill
stoutish adjective
stoutly adverb
stoutness noun

stout

2 of 2

noun

1
: a very dark, full-bodied ale with a distinctive malty flavor that is typically brewed with unmalted roasted barley
Stout is a darker, heavily hopped ale that has a creamy head in the glass …Anthony Dias Blue
2
a
: a fat person
b
: a clothing size designed for the large figure
Choose the Right Synonym for stout

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 stout in a Sentence

Adjective He has a stout heart. His lawyer put up a stout defense in court.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Megalodon’s teeth resemble those of a modern great white shark, so some scientists previously concluded that the two sharks had a similar stout body shape. Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 Landry is slightly undersized, but nonetheless a stout edge-setter against the run; his greatest play strength a year ago. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
Between the lines: Beyond their business plan, both breweries share another common thesis: Craft beer is becoming unapproachable with its bitter hop bombs, milkshake-like hazy IPAs and overly sweet adjunct stouts. John Frank, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025 These breweries aren’t just about bold IPAs, smooth stouts, or crisp lagers—they’re about creating economic opportunities, uplifting communities, and showcasing the creativity that defines Black culture. Noel Burgess, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stout

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French estut, estout, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German stolz proud; perhaps akin to Old High German stelza stilt — more at stilt

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stout was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stout. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stout

1 of 2 adjective
1
: strong of character : brave, bold
2
: physically or materially strong : sturdy, vigorous
3
: forceful
a stout attack
4
: bulky in body : overweight
stoutly adverb
stoutness noun

stout

2 of 2 noun
: a dark heavy beer

More from Merriam-Webster on stout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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