How to Pronounce Sterile

To pronounce "sterile", say STER-il-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈstɛɹaɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

sterile

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈstɛɹaɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “sterile”

"sterile" has 3 syllables: ster-il-e. It rhymes with peril and apparel, if that helps it stick.

What does sterile mean?

adjective

  1. Unable to reproduce (or procreate).
  2. Terse; lacking sentiment or emotional stimulation, as in a manner of speaking.

Synonyms

barreninfertile

Antonyms

non-sterilenonsterileunsterile

Hear “sterile” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with sterile

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

perilapparelferalbarrelimperilcarolcarrollerolsterolburelscleralcheryl

Related words

barreninfertileuninspiredasepticunfertileunimaginativeuncreativeuninventive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "sterile"?▾

"Sterile" has 3 syllables: ster · il · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "sterile"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sterile" is /ˈstɛɹaɪl/.

What does "sterile" mean?▾

Sterile: Unable to reproduce (or procreate).

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