sticking plaster

noun

chiefly British
: an adhesive plaster especially for closing superficial wounds

Examples of sticking plaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Much like many other solutions that are proposed to the climate crisis right now are sticking plasters. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2023 Nevertheless, with telehealth and digital healthcare apps still in their infancy, alternative communication options might just be the best sticking plaster for now to keep everyone happy and healthy whilst the accessibility model continues to mature. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 29 June 2022 But preparing officers for stressful situations risks simply putting a sticking plaster on a much bigger problem—the tendency for police officers, particularly in America, to approach even minor interactions with the public in an almost frenzied state. Amit Katwala, Wired, 8 June 2021 Moreover, are certain actions – like disposable cups in stadiums, or the use of recycled fibres in kits – simply a sticking plaster over much wider issues across the entire supply chain? Jonquil Hackenberg, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2021 The answers might involve some sticking plasters to make sure no-deal contingency plans work, more public spending to support business, and even more European Central Bank stimulus. Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sticking plaster.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticking plaster was in 1584

Dictionary Entries Near sticking plaster

Cite this Entry

“Sticking plaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticking%20plaster. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sticking plaster

noun
stick·​ing plaster ˈstik-iŋ-ˌ How to pronounce sticking plaster (audio)
: an adhesive plaster especially for closing superficial wounds
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