stern

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
Synonyms of sternnext
1
a
: having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere
b
: expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
2
: forbidding or gloomy in appearance
3
: inexorable
stern necessity
4
: sturdy, stout
a stern resolve
sternly adverb
sternness
ˈstərn-nəs How to pronounce stern (audio)
noun

stern

2 of 2

noun

1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part

Synonyms

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for stern

severe, stern, austere, ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint.

severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

Examples of stern in a Sentence

Adjective He gave me a stern look. the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
And in Pennsylvania the Philadelphia district attorney issued a stern warning. —Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024 Where once there was stern, pensive faces, now there were smiles, heads tilted back. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
Others are dancing on the sterns of their boats, inviting anyone swimming by to join them for a drink. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Further toward the stern, the swim platform is fitted with fold-out terraces that provide direct access to the sea. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stern 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare

Noun

Middle English, rudder, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn steering, rudder; akin to Old English stīeran to steer — more at steer

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stern was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing stern

Dictionary Entries Near stern

Sterlitamak

stern

Stern

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

stern

1 of 2 adjective
ˈstərn How to pronounce stern (audio)
1
a
: hard and severe in nature or manner
a stern judge
b
: expressing severe displeasure : harsh
a stern look
2
: not inviting or attractive : forbidding, grim
3
: firm and not changeable : stout, resolute
stern determination
sternly adverb
sternness
ˈstərn-nəs How to pronounce stern (audio)
noun

stern

2 of 2 noun
1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a rear part

Biographical Definition

Stern 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈstərn How to pronounce Stern (audio)
Isaac 1920–2001 American (Russian-born) violinist

Stern

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Otto 1888–1969 American (German-born) physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on stern

Nglish: Translation of stern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of stern for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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