sterling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal (when referring to currency/quality), technical (when referring to silver)
Quick answer
What does “sterling” mean?
British money, especially the system of currency based on the pound sterling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
British money, especially the system of currency based on the pound sterling.
Of excellent quality or value; made of or relating to silver of a standard 92.5% purity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'sterling' is the official term for the currency. In American English, 'sterling' is more commonly used as an adjective meaning 'excellent' or to refer to the silver alloy.
Connotations
In the UK, 'sterling' has strong national and economic connotations. In the US, its use often sounds formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English due to its use for the national currency. In US English, the adjectival use ('sterling reputation') is the most common.
Grammar
How to Use “sterling” in a Sentence
[adj] sterling + noun (e.g., sterling qualities)[noun] pay/price in sterling[noun] a piece of sterlingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sterling” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The company's reserves are held in sterling.
- You can pay in euros or sterling.
American English
- The antique was made of solid sterling.
- Investments in sterling are affected by UK policy.
adjective
British English
- He provided sterling service throughout the crisis.
- Her sterling character was never in doubt.
American English
- The team gave a sterling performance last night.
- He is known for his sterling integrity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the GBP currency in forex markets: 'The invoice must be settled in sterling.'
Academic
Used in history/economics: 'The post-war stability of sterling was crucial.'
Everyday
As an adjective: 'She did a sterling job organising the event.'
Technical
In jewellery/metallurgy: 'The hallmark confirms it is 925 sterling silver.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sterling”
- Using 'sterling' as a countable noun for coins (e.g., 'a sterling' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'starling' (the bird).
- Overusing the adjectival form in informal US English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while that is its primary nominal use, 'sterling' is also a standard for silver (92.5% pure) and a common adjective meaning 'of excellent quality'.
No, 'sterling' refers specifically to the currency or denotes quality. It is not a synonym for 'British'. You would not say 'sterling culture' or 'sterling weather'.
'Silver' is the pure element (Ag). 'Sterling silver' is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for added strength.
It tends to be used in more formal or written contexts (e.g., sterling reputation, sterling effort). In casual speech, words like 'great', 'excellent', or 'fantastic' are more common.
British money, especially the system of currency based on the pound sterling.
Sterling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɜː.lɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɝː.lɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sterling stuff! (UK, archaic praise)”
- “A heart of sterling (poetic, meaning good character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STERLING reputation being as valuable and pure as STERling silver.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS PURITY (as in sterling silver). INTEGRITY IS A VALUABLE METAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sterling' LEAST likely to be used?