Definition of STALWARTS (original) (raw)
: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit
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Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to use stalwart in place of the older form stalworth. Although stalworth is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for today's meaning of stalwart. During the 12th century, forms of stalworth began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning stalwart carries). It also came to be used as an adjective for people who showed bravery or courage (likewise a meaning passed on to stalwart). So, in a way, stalwart has been serviceable in keeping the spirit of stalworth alive. This character of stalwart is true to its roots. Stalworth came from the Old English word stǣlwierthe (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for stalwart
the defense has a strong case
stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.
sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.
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 stalwart in a Sentence
Adjective
their strong and stalwart son the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And then there are the epically beautiful inland landscapes containing glittering rivers, forested trails, and stalwart old-growth redwoods. —
Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2024 Following his previous hits, the stalwart EDM enthusiast aims to set himself apart from his tuneful peers. —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 30 Oct. 2024
Her costume—a green-and-yellow tracksuit—beat out pop-culture stalwarts such as Sabrina Carpenter, Minions, and Wolverine. —Kate Lindsay, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 Nacho Hernandez/Alamy After his speakeasy, ABV, located on Jupiter Street south of Poblacion, closed in 2019, Lee Watson, an early stalwart of the Manila bar scene, set up The Spirits Library in Poblacion. —Maryam Jillani, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stalwart 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English stǣlwierthe serviceable
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of stalwart was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near stalwart
Cite this Entry
“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalwart. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 19 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
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