heartier; heartiest
1
a
: giving unqualified support
a hearty endorsement
b
: enthusiastically or exuberantly cordial : jovial
… had a bluff and hearty bearing, but he was a rogue.—
Ross Annett
Ross Annett
c
: expressed unrestrainedly
a hearty welcome
exchanged hearty handshakes
2
a
: exhibiting vigorous good health
hearty young men and women
b(1)
: having a good appetite
a hearty eater
(2)
: abundant, rich, or flavorful enough to satisfy the appetite
hearty vegetable soup
heartiness
noun
plural hearties
: a hearty fellow
Examples of hearty in a Sentence
Adjective
He gave us all a hearty welcome.
hearty young men and women
His grandmother remains hale and hearty in her old age.
Noun
gather round me hearties, and I'll tell you a sea tale that'll shiver your timbers for sure
Recent Examples on the Web
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Read on for her recommendations—plus my (and my sister’s) final thoughts on this hearty breakfast.
—Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
In the case of Crestview, the thefts were believed to be motivated by the harvesting of the piña — the plant’s hearty, pineapple-like center that can weigh 100 or more pounds and is used for tequila and mezcal.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hearty
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Adjective
Full of kale, red onion, peppers, and fresh herbs, this frittata is hearty enough for breakfast or dinner.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Read on for her recommendations—plus my (and my sister’s) final thoughts on this hearty breakfast.
—Ashia Aubourg, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
Special enough for a holiday occasion and hearty enough for a main course, this casserole stacks bright layers of veggies drenched in our Easy Cheese Sauce.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
In the case of Crestview, the thefts were believed to be motivated by the harvesting of the piña — the plant’s hearty, pineapple-like center that can weigh 100 or more pounds and is used for tequila and mezcal.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hearty
Cite this Entry
“Hearty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearty. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hearty
1 of 2 adjective
heartier; heartiest
1
a
: wholehearted, sincere
hearty agreement
b
: enthusiastically friendly
a hearty welcome
c
: unrestrained sense 2
hearty laughter
2
a
: exhibiting very good health
hale and hearty
b
: having a good appetite
a hearty eater
c
: being plentiful and satisfying
a hearty meal
heartiness
noun
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