sterling
sterling Lexical Profile
sterling Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
(Of a person or their work, efforts, or qualities) excellent, thoroughly reliable, or valuable.
"The committee praised the director for her sterling leadership and unwavering integrity during the crisis."
(Of silver) meeting a standard of at least 92.5 percent purity, or made of such silver.
"They inherited an antique set of sterling flatware from her grandmother."
British Relating to or payable in British currency.
"International clients may settle their invoices using sterling bank drafts."
• noun
The currency of the United Kingdom, of which the basic monetary unit is the pound.
"The value of sterling rose sharply against the euro following the central bank's announcement."
Sterling silver (an alloy containing 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper or another metal), or articles made of it.
"She carefully polished the family's heirloom sterling before setting the holiday table."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'sterling' (referring to British currency, high-purity silver, or exceptional quality) with the bird 'starling'.
• Rhymes for sterling
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'sterling', denoting a Norman silver penny, likely derived from Old English 'steorra' (star) and the diminutive suffix '-ling', referring to the tiny stars stamped on early Norman coins.