hearty
Americanadjective
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warm-hearted; affectionate; cordial; jovial.
a hearty welcome.
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genuine; sincere; heartfelt.
hearty approval; hearty dislike.
-
completely devoted; wholehearted.
hearty support.
-
exuberant; unrestrained.
hearty laughter.
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violent; forceful.
a hearty push; a hearty kick.
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physically vigorous; strong and well.
hale and hearty.
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substantial; abundant; nourishing.
a hearty meal.
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enjoying or requiring abundant food.
a hearty appetite.
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(of soil) fertile.
noun
plural
hearties-
a brave or good fellow, especially with reference to a shipmate.
-
a sailor.
adjective
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warm and unreserved in manner or behaviour
-
vigorous and enthusiastic
a hearty slap on the back
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sincere and heartfelt
hearty dislike
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healthy and strong (esp in the phrase hale and hearty )
-
substantial and nourishing
noun
-
a comrade, esp a sailor
-
a vigorous sporting man
a rugby hearty
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see hale and hearty.
Other Word Forms
- heartiness noun
- overheartiness noun
- overhearty adjective
- quasi-hearty adjective
- superheartiness noun
- superhearty adjective
- unhearty adjective
Etymology
Origin of hearty
First recorded in 1350–1400, hearty is from the Middle English word herti. See heart, -y 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s a match made in heaven — simple yet hearty and fulfilling.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
My only full day in Saltburn was supposed to start with a hearty hike along the cliffs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
The South Korean was hooked moments later, looking frustrated to be hauled off with just minutes remaining despite the hearty applause.
From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026
Stuffed cabbages, for example, are a hearty delicacy that transcends geographical borders.
From Salon • Feb. 21, 2026
Dasch greedily ate two salads and a hearty slice of coconut cream pie.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.