How to pronounce sterling
Say it like STUR-ling. Sterling has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sterling. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- STUR
- ling
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sterling pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- lingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of sterling
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: STUR-ling.
What does sterling mean?
- highest in quality
- British money; especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK
Where does sterling come from?
From Middle English sterling, possibly from Old English *steorling, from steorra (“star”) and -ling, in reference to the stars that appeared on certain English pennies.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with sterling
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of sterling.
Questions about saying sterling
How do you pronounce sterling?
Say STUR-ling. The American pronunciation is /ˈstɝlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈstɜːlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sterling?
Sterling has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STUR). Broken into parts: STUR · ling.
Is sterling pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈstɜːlɪŋ/ (STUR-ling).