sterling

The money used in the United Kingdom, measured in pounds and pence.

• The price is quoted in sterling.
• Sterling fell against the dollar today.
• Can we pay in sterling rather than euros?

Similar words: the pound, British currency

Common phrases: pound sterling, pay in sterling, value of sterling

An old English silver coin worth one penny, first used in Norman times.

• The museum displayed an English sterling.
• A farmer found a medieval sterling in the field.
• The silver sterling bore the king's image.

Similar words: silver penny

Common phrases: silver sterling, medieval sterling, English sterling

An old penny coin used in Scotland or another country outside England.

• The collection includes a Scottish sterling.
• Several sterlings were found near the old Scottish castle.
• This sterling was issued by a Scottish king.

Similar words: penny

Common phrases: Scottish sterling, silver sterling, medieval sterling

Containing 92.5 percent pure silver, the usual standard for good silver used in jewelry and household objects.

• The metal is sterling silver.
• This ring contains sterling silver rather than pure silver.
• The hallmark shows that the silver is sterling.

Common phrases: sterling silver, solid sterling silver, sterling silver alloy

Very good and deserving respect or praise.

• You have done sterling work.
• Her sterling efforts kept the project alive.
• The volunteers provided sterling service throughout the crisis.

Similar words: excellent, outstanding, admirable

Opposites: poor

Common phrases: sterling work, sterling effort, sterling service

Relating to British money, including older British coins.

• The bank holds sterling assets.
• They moved their savings into sterling accounts.
• The collection traces the history of sterling coinage.

Common phrases: sterling assets, sterling bonds, sterling coinage

Made from silver containing a small amount of another metal, usually used for jewelry and household objects.

• She wore a sterling necklace.
• The shop sells sterling bracelets and earrings.
• We polished the sterling spoons before dinner.

Common phrases: sterling necklace, sterling bracelet, sterling cutlery