Hearty describes something generous, wholesome, and full of warmth or energy. A hearty meal is a satisfying, filling dinner like roast chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables. A hearty laugh is a big, genuine belly laugh that makes your whole body shake.

When you give someone a hearty welcome, you greet them with real enthusiasm and warmth, making them feel truly valued. A hearty handshake is firm and vigorous, showing genuine friendliness. A hearty appetite means you're truly hungry and ready to eat a good amount of food.

The word comes from “heart” and carries that sense of something being full-hearted, robust, and sincere. Hearty congratulations means you're truly happy for someone's success. A hearty breakfast gives you the energy you need for an active morning.

You'll also hear hearty describe people who are strong and healthy, especially those who stay vigorous despite challenges. A hearty 80-year-old might still garden every day and walk several miles. The word suggests not just health but a kind of energetic enthusiasm for life itself.