What does stoutness mean?
Stoutness is a noun meaning the quality of being stout or solidly built. In contemporary English, it most commonly describes a person’s strong or substantial physical build, sometimes with the implication of heaviness or excessive fatness. The word can also refer more generally to thickness, firmness, or solidity, as in the stoutness of a table, a wall, or a serving of beer. Because “stout” has several related meanings, “stoutness” is flexible, though it sounds more literary and less common than everyday alternatives such as “strength,” “bulk,” or “heaviness.” Its distinctive historical flavor gives it a slightly old-fashioned tone, making it especially effective in descriptions of solid construction, traditional drinks, or a characteristically robust physique.
The condition or quality of being stout; especially a strong or thick build.
"The stoutness of the bridge supports gave the structure a reassuring solidity."
Often sounds literary or old-fashioned; it may suggest either a robust physique or excessive heaviness.
The thickness or firmness of a substance, especially beer.
"The stoutness of the ale was just right."
This sense is traditional and less common in modern everyday speech.
The plural is rare and is used mainly in formal or literary contexts.
"The dictionary distinguishes several meanings of stoutness and its plural forms."
Stoutness can describe a strong, solid build, a satisfyingly thick beer, or—in older usage—excessive fatness; the context decides which meaning you are seeing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stoutness come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ness” to “stout,” which already meant strong, thick, or solidly built. “Stout” has Germanic roots and is related to words such as “stolid,” whose deeper connection lies in a shared sense of firmness or resistance rather than simple physical weight. The suffix “-ness,” common in Middle English, was used to create abstract nouns indicating a state or quality.
Related word forms
How stoutness is actually used
Stoutness is somewhat formal and literary in modern English. It is most often associated with physical build or excessive fatness, while its use for the thickness of beer is characteristic of traditional writing.