All Definitions for Sterling
Below are all the dictionary definitions of sterling:
1(uncountable) The currency of the United Kingdom, based on the pound sterling
2Hence, genuine English or British currency, as contrasted with foreign currency.
3Of or relating to the currency of the United Kingdom, or former types of English or British coinage.
4Of silver: being of standard quality.
5Of a thing: of or relating to, or made from, sterling silver.
6Of acknowledged influence
7Authoritative
8Also, of high or excellent quality
9Of proven worth.
10(countable) A penny issued in other countries, such as Scotland.
11An English silver penny first introduced by the Normans.
12(uncountable, historical) Former British gold or silver coinage of a standard fineness (0.91666 for gold and 0.925 for silver).
13(obsolete) (uncountable) Money generally.
14(obsolete) (uncountable) The standard degree of fineness.
15(archaic) Of English (or (obsolete) Scottish) currency: genuine, of legal tender.
16(obsolete) Having currency (“general acceptance, recognition, or use”).
17(obsolete) (countable) Synonym of pennyweight (“a unit of mass equal to 24 grains, or ¹⁄₂₀ of a troy ounce”)
18A unisex given name transferred from the surname.
19A Scottish surname, variant of Stirling.
20An English surname, thought to be a variant of Starling.
21A number of places in the United States:
22A census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska.
23A city, the county seat of Logan County, Colorado.
24A town in Windham County, Connecticut.
25A census-designated place in Glynn County, Georgia.
26An unincorporated community in Bingham County, Idaho.
27A city in Whiteside County, Illinois.
28A ghost town in Jackson County, Iowa.
29A city in Rice County, Kansas, named after Sterling Rosan.
30A town in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
31A village in Deep River Township, Arenac County, Michigan.
32An unincorporated community in Howell County, Missouri.
33An unincorporated community in Madison County, Montana.
34A village in Johnson County, Nebraska.
35A town in Cayuga County, New York.
36An unincorporated community in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
37An unincorporated community in Burleigh County, North Dakota.
38A census-designated place in Milton Township, Wayne County, Ohio.
39A town in Comanche County, Oklahoma.
40An unincorporated community in Woodward Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
41A town in Sanpete County, Utah.
42A census-designated place in Loudoun County, Virginia.
43An unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington.
44A town in Polk County, Wisconsin.
45A town in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
46A number of townships, listed under Sterling Township.
47(uncountable) Short for sterling silver (“an alloy containing not less than 92.5 percent silver, the remainder usually being copper
48Articles made from this alloy collectively”). [An alloy containing not less than 92.5 percent silver, the remainder usually being copper.]
49Obsolete form of starling (“a family, Sturnidae, of passerine birds
50Specifically, the common starling, Sturnus vulgaris, which has dark, iridescent plumage”). [A family, Sturnidae, of passerine birds.]
51Obsolete form of starling (“an enclosure like a coffer-dam, formed of piles driven closely together before any structure or work, as a protection against the wash of waves, commonly used to protect the piers of a bridge”). [A family, Sturnidae, of passerine birds.]
About rhymes for sterling
Finding the right rhyme for sterling helps poets and songwriters add rhythm, musicality, and memorability to their work. Defined as "(uncountable) The currency of the United Kingdom, based on the pound sterling", sterling has 17 words that share its ending sound pattern.
Each rhyme carries a slightly different meaning and connotation. Whirling is the most common rhyme in everyday usage. Swirling works well in formal or poetic contexts. Purling is often preferred when the context calls for a specific nuance or imagery.
When choosing a rhyme, consider the meaning, formality level, and intended emotional impact. Some rhymes work better in casual songs while others shine in formal poetry. The list above provides the most common and useful rhymes for sterling, but always read your line aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally and supports your intended message.