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• sterling
  sterling

  adjective

  of, relating to, or noting British money.
• Sterling
  Sterling

  noun

  a city in NW Illinois.

sterling

¹ American  

[stur-ling] / ˈstɜr lɪŋ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or noting British money.

   The sterling equivalent is #5.50.

2. (of silver) having the standard fineness of 0.925.

3. made of silver of this fineness.

   a sterling teapot.

4. thoroughly excellent.

   a man of sterling worth.

   Synonyms:

   first-rate, worthy, honorable, noble

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noun

1. British currency.

2. the standard of fineness for gold and silver coin in the United Kingdom, 0.91666 for gold and 0.500 for silver.

3. Also called sterling silver.  silver having a fineness of 0.925, now used especially in the manufacture of table utensils, jewelry, etc.

4. manufactured articles of sterling silver.

5. sterling flatware.

Sterling ² American  

[stur-ling] / ˈstɜr lɪŋ /

noun

1. a city in NW Illinois.

2. a city in NE Colorado.

3. a male given name.

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sterling ¹ British  

/ ˈstɜːlɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. British money

      pound sterling

   2. ( as modifier )

      sterling reserves

2. the official standard of fineness of British coins: for gold 0.91666 and for silver 0.925

3. 1. short for sterling silver

   2. ( as modifier )

      a sterling bracelet

4. an article or articles manufactured from sterling silver

5. a former British silver penny

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adjective

1. (prenominal) genuine and reliable; first-class

   sterling quality

Sterling ² British  

/ ˈstɜːlɪŋ /

noun

1. Peter. born 1960, Australian rugby league player: played 18 matches for Australia (1982–88)

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Other Word Forms

• sterlingly
  adverb
• sterlingness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of sterling

1250–1300; Middle English: name of a silver coin ( see star, -ling ¹), with reference to the little star on some of the mintages

Explanation

Sterling is British money, but it also describes anything of very high quality. A sterling report card has all A’s, and sterling manners are needed for a visit with the Queen of England. Sterling is a word for British currency, and although the jury is still out, the word sterling may be from the Middle English word for "star," sterre from the stars that appeared in the design of certain Norman (really old British) coins. Sterling can still refer to money, but it also describes something great. A sterling reputation is a flawless, immaculate reputation.

Example Sentences

Such a scenario would likely push gilt yields even higher and weaken sterling, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

“Fears that spending could rise beyond what markets consider prudent would likely rattle not just bonds but also sterling, which has been fairly resilient lately,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

He wasn’t going to further stain his sterling 42-13 close-out record.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

He said the strength of sterling showed that this issue was not about the UK.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

He told us that his mother would give us a ride if we paid a fee of fifteen pounds sterling.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• admirable
• excellent
• first-rate
• magnificent
• marvelous
• outstanding
• splendid
• stunning