What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stout
Example
The boxer was short and stout, making him difficult to knock down. [stout: adjective]
Example
I prefer a stout beer with my steak dinner. [stout: noun]
Example
The table was made of stout oak wood and could withstand heavy weight. [stout: adjective]
stocky
Example
The wrestler was stocky and had a lot of power in his legs. [stocky: adjective]
Example
The bulldog was a stocky breed with a broad chest and muscular legs. [stocky: adjective]
Example
The car was designed to be stocky and compact for city driving. [stocky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stocky is less common than stout in everyday language, but both words are still used frequently in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stout and stocky?
Both stout and stocky are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, stout may be more versatile and can be used in more formal contexts when referring to objects or materials that are sturdy and well-built.