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.
Trees, shrubs and hardy perennials, however, can generally withstand the cold. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 If longevity is the priority, mixed breeds and small, hardy breeds consistently come out ahead. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Although generally hardy, the plant is susceptible to certain diseases, including anthracnose and bacterial soft rot, as well as pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 Cold-hardy brassicas like kale only need to be covered when temperatures fall to 26 to 28°F, and light frosts potentially make these veggies taste better and sweeter. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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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