Stout means thick, strong, and sturdy. A stout walking stick won't snap under your weight when you're hiking up a steep trail. Stout rope can hold a heavy load without fraying. When someone builds a stout fence, they're making it solid enough to last through years of weather and wear.

The word often describes things built to be especially strong or durable. A stout ship can handle rough seas. Stout boots protect your feet on rocky ground. Medieval castles had stout walls designed to withstand attacks.

People can be stout too, meaning they have a solid, heavy build. In older books, you might read about a stout gentleman or a stout farmer, describing someone who looks strong and well-fed rather than thin or frail.

The word can also describe courage and determination. A stout heart means you're brave and won't give up easily. When defenders made a stout resistance against attackers, they fought fiercely despite being outnumbered. If you have a stout spirit, you keep trying even when things get difficult.