stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈsta-mə-nə 

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 stamina …

—Joseph Allan Frank

Examples of stamina in a Sentence

Do you have the stamina to finish the job?

Recent Examples on the Web

Large-bodied and strong, at 6-5, 235 pounds, Ortiz should have the stamina to withstand the rigors of an entire season at the big league level. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

For someone who has played sparingly, Adams’ endurance and stamina were noteworthy. —Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024

Superhuman memory and stamina have long been key selling points for computers. —Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024

The pandemic dealt another blow, diminishing our desire and stamina for socializing. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: vigor sense 1, endurance

Medical Definition

stamina

noun

stam·​i·​na ˈstam-ə-nə 

: the strength or vigor of bodily constitution : capacity for standing fatigue or resisting disease

restoration of weight, strength and stamina following recovery from major surgery

—The Journal of the American Medical Association