stern

1 of 2

adjective

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 noun

stern

2 of 2

noun

1
: the rear end of a boat
2
: a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part
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
Adjective
Dickinson finds relief from a stifling family life under her father’s stern order in her intellectually fulfilling friendship with a woman in her circle (Catherine Bailey)—and, especially, in her poetry, which met with opposition both at home and in the wider world. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024 Johnny Flynn plays Winton five decades earlier, a stern and quiet man, the son of German Jewish immigrants who converted to Christianity and changed their last name in order to assimilate in England. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Juventus’s decision to appoint Fabio Capello — his mien, even then, that of a stern immortal hewn from basalt — appeared a safe bet, but many of the others were not. Rory Smith, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Johnny Flynn plays Winton five decades earlier, a stern and quiet young man, the son of German Jewish immigrants who converted to Christianity and changed their last name in order to assimilate in England. Katie Walsh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 The standout feature of the 77 is the stern, though. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 The White House's tone toward Netanyahu has appeared to grow more stern in recent weeks, amid intense political pressure. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024 Charismatic and warm, the priest brings a different energy to St. Nicholas’ church and school, which has been a very formal center of learning run by the stern and unyielding principal, Sister Aloysius (Amy Ryan). Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 When Alana left the room, Lauryn had a stern conversation with Dralin and warned him about messing with her little sister's prospects. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
Noun
Steps away is the 18.7-foot-long resistance pool on the foredeck, along with a Jacuzzi at the stern. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 The onboard marina, which is open in favorable weather conditions, offers watersports and swimming off the stern of the ship. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024 Starting at the stern, the beach club features a lounge with a convertible gym, a relaxation area with a sauna and massage room, an exquisite outdoor swimming pool, and folding hull platforms that open to create waterside lounges. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 On the stern of the cutter, a man in his early 30s named Peterson sat watching the children. Seth Freed Wessler, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2023 The powerful wake from the boat’s stern formed into a frothy V. Chattering tourists lounged topside. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2024 Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2024 Heading outside, the generous beach club features opening side platforms that wrap around the stern and a sliding sun pad that covers the pool while Go is cruising the seas. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 Another standout feature can be found at the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near stern

Cite this Entry

“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stern. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stern

1 of 2 adjective
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 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)

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!