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.
Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026 Autumn Joy Stonecrop Also called autumn joy sedum, this hardy, summer- and fall-flowering perennial is known for its succulent foliage and dense clusters of tiny pink flowers. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 Succulents—hardy and diverse—are nearly unbreakable given plenty of sunlight. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 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 2 Sep. 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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