sharps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to technical, depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “sharps” mean?
The plural form of 'sharp', referring to pointed objects or musical notes raised by a semitone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'sharp', referring to pointed objects or musical notes raised by a semitone.
Can refer to medical waste (needles, scalpels), a type of chess piece, or a category of photographic images with high contrast and clarity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'sharps' identically in musical and medical contexts. Spelling of related words differs (e.g., 'sharpness' is same, but 'sharpening' follows regional conventions).
Connotations
In medical contexts, it carries the same serious connotation of danger and biohazard in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in medical/public health discourse due to differing regulatory language.
Grammar
How to Use “sharps” in a Sentence
dispose of [sharps]handle [sharps] with carethe piece is in [sharps][sharps] must be placed in a special containerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sharps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme aims to educate nurses on how to safely sharps.
American English
- The protocol requires staff to sharps all used needles immediately.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as plural form.
American English
- Not applicable as plural form.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as plural form.
American English
- Not applicable as plural form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in healthcare supply or waste management companies ('We supply sharps bins to hospitals').
Academic
Used in medical, public health, and musicology papers.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Might be heard in specific contexts like music lessons ('This bar has three sharps') or when discussing first aid/safety.
Technical
Standard term in healthcare for 'sharps waste' and in music theory for sharp notes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sharps”
- Using 'sharp' as an uncountable noun for waste ('dispose of sharp' is incorrect). Confusing 'sharps' (notes) with 'sharp' (adjective) in musical descriptions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in healthcare for needles, lancets, etc., it also refers to sharp musical notes (F♯, C♯) and can mean any pointed object in specific contexts.
No. 'Sharps' is a plural noun. You refer to 'a sharps container' or 'sharps disposal', but not 'a sharps' on its own.
'Sharps' (♯) raise a note by a semitone. 'Flats' (♭) lower a note by a semitone. They are opposite alterations.
It prevents needlestick injuries and the transmission of blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C) to healthcare workers, waste handlers, and the public.
The plural form of 'sharp', referring to pointed objects or musical notes raised by a semitone.
Sharps is usually formal to technical, depending on context. in register.
Sharps: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɑːps/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɑːrps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Watch out for the sharps (cautionary, literal).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHARP + S: Think of several 'S' shapes that are pointy like needles or the sharp symbol (♯) itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS SHARP (medical); HIGHER PITCH IS SHARPER (music).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'sharps' MOST LIKELY refer to musical notes?