stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈsta-mə-nə How to pronounce stamina (audio)
1
: the bodily or mental capacity to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity : endurance
a workout program that builds strength and stamina
These horses are bred for speed and stamina.
The use of pharmaceuticals to enhance memory, focus, and mental stamina in healthy brains is known generally as cognitive enhancement …Paul McFedries
2
: the moral or emotional strength to continue with a difficult process, effort, etc. : staying power
The network of obligations to family and community underpinned the soldier's moral staminaJoseph Allan Frank

Examples of stamina in a Sentence

Do you have the stamina to finish the job?
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.
Your blend of focus, heart, stamina and joy calls forth the best of everyone around you. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024 Few stars, especially those merely looking to burnish their personal brand, will have the stamina or interest to source editors, lawyers, designers, proofers, rights specialists, and all of the other professionals required to create, distribute, and sell a book. Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024 To sit for him regularly, as several people did, sounds like a test of both stamina and loyalty. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 Hernandez won the 2024 All Star Home Run Derby, which was another sign of his awesome power and stamina. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stamina 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, plural of stamen warp, thread of life spun by the Fates

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stamina was in 1726

Dictionary Entries Near stamina

Cite this Entry

“Stamina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stamina. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stamina

noun
stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə How to pronounce stamina (audio)

Medical Definition

stamina

noun
stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə How to pronounce stamina (audio)
: the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease
restoration of weight, strength and stamina following recovery from major surgeryThe Journal of the American Medical Association
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