noun

Sten

Sten (noun) means a lightweight British submachine gun developed for World War II, prized for how cheaply and quickly it could be mass-produced. Example: “Resistance fighters were dropped crates of Stens to arm their units.”

noun

A lightweight British submachine gun developed for World War II, prized for how cheaply and quickly it could be mass-produced.

"Resistance fighters were dropped crates of Stens to arm their units."

"The Sten was infamous for jamming at the worst possible moment."

How to use Sten

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cheap, mass-produced British machine gun from World War II.

Memory tip

You will mostly meet this word in history books or war films, not everyday speech.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

Stens plural, Stens plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Resistance fighters were dropped crates of _____ to arm their units.

Etymology

The name is an acronym built from the initials of its designers, Reginald Shepherd and Harold Turpin, plus "EN" for the Enfield factory where it was made.

Rhymes for Sten

ten

See all rhymes for Sten →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sten” mean?

The word “Sten” means a lightweight British submachine gun developed for World War II, prized for how cheaply and quickly it could be mass-produced. In plain terms, a cheap, mass-produced British machine gun from World War II.

How do you use “Sten” in a sentence?

Here is “Sten” used in a sentence: “Resistance fighters were dropped crates of Stens to arm their units.”

What part of speech is “Sten”?

“Sten” is a noun.

What is the meaning of Sten?

"Sten" (noun) means a lightweight British submachine gun developed for World War II, prized for how cheaply and quickly it could be mass-produced.