hardy

adjective

har·​dy ˈhär-dē How to pronounce hardy (audio)
hardier; hardiest
Synonyms of hardy
1
: bold, brave
a hardy intrepid spirit
2
: audacious, brazen
3
a
: accustomed to dealing with fatigue or hardships : robust
The soldiers were strong and hardy.
b
: capable of withstanding adverse conditions
hardy outdoor furniture
hardy plants
hardy cattle
hardily
ˈhär-dᵊl-ē How to pronounce hardy (audio)
adverb
hardiness
ˈhär-dē-nəs How to pronounce hardy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of hardy

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Examples of hardy in a Sentence

Most of the soldiers were hardy young men. Hardy fans stuck with the team through good times and bad. Only the hardiest pilgrims made the journey.
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.
Some trees are more cold hardy than others, while certain species are well-adapted to survive drought or high heat. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 To exonerate and maybe even vindicate this tiny but hardy plant, the FAU team has traveled to Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska, a two-day journey that includes a 12-hour ride through the Arctic wilderness. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 For cooler regions, Contender or Reliance peach varieties are cold-hardy and thrive in USDA growing zones 4 to 8. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026 The rootstock is usually hardier or more disease-resistant than the scion. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hardi, from Anglo-French, from Old French *hardir to make hard, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English heard hard

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hardy was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing hardy

Rhymes for hardy

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Browse Nearby Words

hardworking
hardy
Hardy
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Cite this Entry

“Hardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardy. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hardy

adjective
har·​dy ˈhärd-ē How to pronounce hardy (audio)
hardier; hardiest
1
: bold sense 1a, brave
2
: able to stand fatigue or hardships : robust
3
: able to survive unfavorable conditions (as of weather)
a hardy rose bush
hardily
ˈhärd-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce hardy (audio)
adverb
hardiness
ˈhärd-ē-nəs How to pronounce hardy (audio)
noun

Biographical Definition

Hardy 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Har·​dy ˈhär-dē How to pronounce Hardy (audio)
Oliver 1892–1957 originally Norvell Hardy American comic actor

Hardy

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Thomas 1840–1928 English novelist and poet
Hardyesque
ˌhär-dē-ˈesk How to pronounce Hardy (audio)
adjective
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