sterling

1 of 2

noun

ster·​ling ˈstər-liŋ 

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

Synonyms

Adjective

• excellent
• superb
• stellar
• terrific
• lovely
• wonderful
• great
• beautiful
• fantastic
• fabulous
• awesome
• fine
• marvellous
• prime
• marvelous
• quality

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

For his part, Jackman allowed that he had been intimidated by Foster's talent and sterling résumé. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025

According to The Athletic, the Jets — who played the Panthers in Week 7 — bestowed such a moniker on White after a sterling starting debut in 2021 against the Cincinnati Bengals. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025

Adjective

But its 2019 refresh solidified its spot by proving that relaxing a bit — while maintaining its sparkling service and elevated dishes — doesn't mean sacrificing a sterling reputation. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Tua Tagovailoa had just led a playoff-clinching, game-winning drive against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve, giving him 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the season, the league lead in passing yards and a sterling 11-4 record. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing sterling

• sterling area
• sterling bloc

Rhymes for sterling

• burling
• curling
• hurling
• pearling
• sperling
• swirling
• twirling
• whirling
• yearling
• unfurling

Kids Definition

sterling

1 of 2 noun

ster·​ling ˈstər-liŋ 

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

: excellent

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"