adjective
sterling
STUR-lihng
adjective
1
Relating to the official currency of the United Kingdom, the pound sterling.
"The invoice was quoted in pounds sterling."
2
Of very high quality or trustworthiness; outstanding.
"She has a sterling reputation in the industry."
"His sterling performance earned him a standing ovation."
3
Describing silver of a recognized standard of purity, or objects made from it.
"She wore a sterling silver bracelet."
How to Use Sterling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGenuine and of high standard — used for British currency, pure silver, and (figuratively) excellent character or work.
Common pairings
pound sterling
sterling silver
sterling reputation
sterling work
Word Forms
more sterling comparative, most sterling superlative
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Etymology
Possibly from Old English steorra ("star"), referring to the small star design once stamped on English silver pennies.