ˈsterəl 
British
ˈstɛˌrajəl
1
: not able to produce crops or plants
sterile soil/fields
2
a
: not able to produce children, young animals, etc.
Mules are sterile.
sterile offspring
b
: not able to grow or develop
sterile eggs
3
: clean and free of bacteria and germs
a sterile dressing for a wound
sterile needles
4
: not producing or containing new ideas, useful results, etc.
a sterile debate/subject
5
: very plain and not interesting or attractive
a sterile building/room
Cite this Entry
“Sterile.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sterile. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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