sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər 

plural sterilizers

: one that sterilizes something: such as

a

: an apparatus for destroying viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat) compare autoclave, sterilant

b

: a person whose work involves sterilizing something (such as medical equipment)

Examples of sterilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The change sought to reduce the amount of EtO released from commercial sterilizers by 90% and lessen the hazards for nearby communities. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Many hotels even provide baby monitors, bottle warmers, changing tables, sterilizers, baby-safe bath amenities, and even diapers. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

In 2024, the EPA approved stricter rules that require commercial sterilizers for medical equipment and large chemical plants to slash emissions of ethylene oxide, which causes lymphoma and breast cancer. —Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Jan. 2026

Baby gear now spans heaters, sterilizers, monitors, heart-rate trackers, and smart toys, often adding up to thousands of dollars. —Maria Bolevich, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sterilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer

Kids Definition

sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er

ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər

: one that sterilizes something

especially : a device used for sterilizing by steam, boiling water, or dry heat

Medical Definition

sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er

variants also British steriliser

ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər 

: an apparatus for sterilizing (as by the agency of steam, ultraviolet radiation, or chemicals)