Stud Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It

What do a vertical board and a gorgeous man have in common? They’re both studs. 

Yup, it’s true — both an undeniably attractive man and a vertical piece of wood installed during new construction can be considered a stud. Interested in learning more? We can help. 

Read on as we explore the word stud to uncover its many definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and translations. Are you ready? 

Let’s dive in!

What Is the Definition of Stud?

/stʌd/ 

According to your father or grandfather, they are the epitome of the word stud. However, if you look at any of the many trusted English Language Dictionaries, you will quickly learn that there are a few other definitions for our word of the day. 

Below you will find the most common definitions of stud:

• Stud can be used as a noun to reference a knob, nailhead, boss, or other protrusion projecting from a surface, most commonly as an ornament. 

• Any thin, upright members of steel, wood, etc., that form the frame of a wall before getting covered in plasterwork or siding can be considered a stud. 

• A stud can refer to a small piece of jewelry attached through a hole in part of a person’s body — such as an ear. 

• When used as a verb, stud means to decorate or cover something with many small items (often used figuratively). 

• A stud is a male animal, usually a horse, that is used for breeding. 

• Slang for macho he-man, stud can also refer to a man who is virile and sexually active. 

As you can see, our word of the day has several meanings! To ensure you use the term “stud” properly, we suggest committing these definitions to memory. 

What Is the Word Origin of Stud?

The etymology of stud can get a little confusing with its slightly varying definitions and usages, but this guide will help walk you through its origin. 

Defined as a knob or nailhead, stud dates back to the late 13th century, deriving from Old English studu and is also related to Old Norse stoð and Middle High German stud. 

In the late 13th century, stud was also first used as a noun referring to a horse that was used for breeding purposes. Middle English stud, in this sense, is a derivative of Old English stōd and is related to both; Old High German stuot and Middle High German stud, as well as Old Norse stoth.

What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Stud?

Now that you understand what stud means, let’s take a look at a few synonyms and antonyms. 

Synonyms are two different words with the same— or nearly the same — meaning. Synonyms of stud include: 

• Rivet
• Babe magnet 
• Studmuffin 
• Clout nail
• Thole
• Thumbtack
• Fastener
• Press-stud 
• Panel pin
• Button-like ornament 
• Metal post
• Thole pin
• Collar stud
• Fastener 
• He-man 
• Crossbar
• Lath
• Macho man
• Trestle
• Strong man
• Pole
• Ladies man
• Scaffolding
• Joist
• Heartthrob 
• Studding
• Support
• Sex symbol 
• Brace 
• Studhorse
• Earring 
• Stud poker 

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Antonyms of stud include:

• Puritan
• Moral zealot
• Hurt
• Receive 
• Save
• Moral fanatic 
• Unite
• Join 
• Killjoy
• Virgin
• Chaste man
• Key
• Mummy’s boy
• Celibate
• Priggish person
• Collect
• Wimp
• Old maid
• Milksop
• Faithful

How Can You Use Stud in a Sentence?

Since the word stud can mean so many different things, you may find it especially easy to use in a sentence. Whether you’re looking to discuss earrings or a sexy man, stud can be an appropriate term to use. Here are a few sentence examples for your reference: 

“Our family has run a 100-acre stud farm for well over 40 years now.”

“I could not believe my eyes; the park was empty weeks ago now, but now it’s studded with daisies from corner to corner.” 

“If you ask me, the new actor is a total stud muffin.”

“I have a large number of horses, but only one of them is a stud.”

“All of my racehorses provide stud services if you’re looking for a breeder.”

“The stud may have been a small piece of metal jewelry, but it came with a big price tag.”

“Her pierced ear lobe was adorned with a cute pair of pink sparkly studs.”

“Woah mama! The new guy in 7th period is a major stud!”

What Are Translations of Stud?

Wondering how to say stud in a different language? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common translations of the word stud:

• American English — stud 
• Arabic — زِرٌ مَعْدَنِيّ 
• Czech — cvoček ozdobný
• Danish — knap 
• Finnish — koristenappi 
• French — clou 
• Russian — украшение поверхностей путем набивки на нее декоративных гвоздей 
• Spanish — : tachuela 
• Japanese — 鋲 
• British English — stud
• Korean — 장식 못 
• Norwegian — stump
• Swedish — avelshingst
• Thai — หมุด
• Turkish — kabara 
• Ukrainian — цвях
• Polish — ćwiek 
• European Portuguese — tacha prego
• Romanian — ornament de metal
• Vietnamese — đinh tán
• German — Ziernagel 
• Greek — διακοσμητικό καρφί 
• Italian — chiodo
• Dutch — spijker 
• European Spanish — tachuela
• Brazilian Portuguese — tacha prego
• Chinese — 饰钉 
• Croatian — zakovica

Conclusion

To recap, stud can hold quite a few definitions, from; macho, he-man, to a male horse used for breeding, an earring, and a small piece of decorative metal. All of these are accurate definitions for our word of the day — stud. 

Sources:

Stud definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 

STUD | Cambridge English Dictionary 

What does stud farm mean? | Definitions.net