1
a
: failing to bear or incapable of producing fruit or spores
b
: failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring
a sterile hybrid
c
: incapable of germinating
sterile spores
d
of a flower
: neither perfect nor pistillate
2
a
: unproductive of vegetation
a sterile arid region
b
: free from living organisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
a sterile syringe
c
: lacking in stimulating emotional or intellectual quality : lifeless
a sterile work of art
Examples of sterile in a Sentence
a sterile dressing for a wound
sterile couples sometimes choose to adopt needy children
Recent Examples on the Web
But this more robust communications channel is quite welcome after decades of sterile chatbots and IVR that fail to offer a realistic experience to those trying to reach the top brass of any company anywhere.
—
John Werner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The sterile cockpit rule prohibits pilots from engaging in conversations unrelated to operating the aircraft when flying below 10,000 feet.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The attorney attended the victim’s autopsy and watched medical staff examine him in a sterile room.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
Though each of the Sweet Martha’s stands resembles an average commercial bakery—big, sterile-feeling rooms lined with industrial-sized stand mixers and walk-in ovens—the business has the spirit of a two-week summer camp.
—Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John Werner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The sterile cockpit rule prohibits pilots from engaging in conversations unrelated to operating the aircraft when flying below 10,000 feet.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The attorney attended the victim’s autopsy and watched medical staff examine him in a sterile room.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
Though each of the Sweet Martha’s stands resembles an average commercial bakery—big, sterile-feeling rooms lined with industrial-sized stand mixers and walk-in ovens—the business has the spirit of a two-week summer camp.
—Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterile
Cite this Entry
“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterile. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sterile
adjective
ster·ile
ˈster-əl 
1
: not able to produce fruit, crops, or offspring : not fertile
sterile soil
2
: free from microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria and viruses)
a sterile dressing for a wound
Medical Definition
sterile
adjective
ster·ile
ˈster-əl, chiefly British -ˌīl
1
: failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring
a sterile hybrid
compare infertile
2
: free from living organisms and especially microorganisms
a sterile syringe
a sterile cyst
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share