sterilize

verb

ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing

transitive verb

: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave
b(1)
: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery
sterilize cats and dogs
(2)
: to make incapable of germination
studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.Christine Colasurdo

Examples of sterilize in a Sentence

The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In addition, the oxygen produced by photosynthesizing cyanobacteria also made its way to the upper atmosphere, forming another kind of oxygen known as ozone, which, by shielding the Earth’s surface from sterilizing ultraviolet radiation, allowed life to expand onto land. Chris Impey, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 Less than six months later, he was forcibly sterilized. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 Dogs that haven’t been sterilized give birth to puppies, who in turn mature into dogs ready to reproduce as well. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 Rather than using detergent, the machine produces ozone with ultraviolet light to powerfully disinfect clothes, sterilizing them for up to five uses. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sterilize

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterilize was in 1676

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sterilize

verb
ster·​il·​ize ˈster-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce sterilize (audio)
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
sterilization noun

Medical Definition

sterilize

transitive verb
ster·​il·​ize
variants also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
sterilization noun
also British sterilisation

More from Merriam-Webster on sterilize

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