sterling

1 of 2

noun

ster·​ling ˈstər-liŋ How to pronounce sterling (audio)
1
: British money
2
: sterling silver or articles of it

sterling

2 of 2

adjective

1
a
: of, relating to, or calculated in terms of British sterling
b
: payable in sterling
2
a
of silver : having a fixed standard of purity usually defined legally as represented by an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper
b
: made of sterling silver
3
: conforming to the highest standard
sterling character
a sterling record of achievement
sterlingly adverb
sterlingness noun

Examples of sterling in a Sentence

Noun a drop in the value of sterling Adjective a sterling example of democracy at work credited the win to the pitcher's sterling performance on the mound
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The James Bond–themed Amazon Prime Video series follows nine pairs of contestants as they are embark on a global adventure, participating in a series of challenges for a shot at winning 1,000,000 pounds sterling each. Clark Collis, EW.com, 5 Oct. 2023 In the third quarter, however, the Clippers experienced the Timberwolves’ sterling defense. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 The Gophers football program had great success with long snapper Brady Weeks over the last five seasons and look to keep that sterling streak going with Alan Soukup. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2024 Each lodge comes fitted with amenities that were previously hard to consistently come by: Guests can expect down pillows and 300-thread-count bed linen, sterling service, and inspired culinary offerings drawing on local produce. Chris Schalkx, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2024 Color options are also more limited (this set is only available in white, ivory, and sterling). Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2024 The company has creations made from 14K solid yellow gold, 14K solid white gold, sterling silver, 18K gold vermeil, and titanium, as well as enamel and ceramic pieces. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023 Hannah Jewett takes hoops up to the cloud dimension with atmospheric sterling silver. The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2023 The Birth Flower Stacker necklace is available in gold, sterling silver, or 14-karat rose gold, and each one can accommodate up to five discs. Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2023
Adjective
Jones closed the season with a sterling 62.2 passer rating in his coverage area, with 10 completions in 14 throws but only 55 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown allowed. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 One reason is management: better managers produce better returns, which fetches premium pricing as more people spot that sterling performance history and invest. Michael Foster, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Onto a stage set up for the NFL rally, Kansas City’s modern gridiron warriors hoisted the spoils of their latest, historic battle: the sterling silver Vince Lombardi Trophy, now glinting in the sun. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 15 Feb. 2024 The sterling example of this was Trump’s Twitter account, which acted as an assignment editor for the press corps. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2024 That trial run, especially tips in pass protection, helped set up a sterling sophomore season. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 Feb. 2024 The first trophy closely resembled the one in use today, made entirely of sterling silver with a football positioned on top of a three-sided base. Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2024 Part of the Pet Charms for a Cause Collection, the sterling silver charms and necklaces available help save more animals — 40% of proceeds from each charm or necklace purchase are donated by Silpada to North Shore Animal League America through the end of February. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 5 Feb. 2024 This is just a sterling illustration of Rivera acting a number as much as singing it. Elisabeth Vincentelli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sterling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, silver penny, probably from Old English *steorling, from Old English steorra star + -ling entry 1 — more at star

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterling was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sterling

Cite this Entry

“Sterling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterling. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sterling

1 of 2 noun
ster·​ling ˈstər-liŋ How to pronounce sterling (audio)
1
: British money
2
: sterling silver or articles of it

sterling

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to British sterling
2
: being or made of an alloy of 925 parts of silver with 75 parts of copper
sterling silver
3
Etymology

Noun

so called from the phrase "a pound sterling," meaning the British pound as a monetary unit, but originally "a pound (by weight) of sterlings," from Middle English sterling "silver penny"

More from Merriam-Webster on sterling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!