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.
However, today only one facility in Panama breeds sterilized New World screwworms for dispersal, and hundreds of millions more sterile flies are needed to slow the outbreak, according to a June 17 letter from 80 US lawmakers. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 9 July 2025 After adding water and zipping it up, the bag sterilizes contents in only 90 seconds. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 July 2025 They are usually sterilized or pasteurized to eliminate, or at least greatly minimize disease and pest problems. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Clean and sterilize any surface the bacon might have touched. Miami Herald, 2 July 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 15 Jul. 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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