noun ·same·as starling, 3.
2. sterling ·noun a certain standard of quality or value for money.
3. sterling ·noun any english coin of standard value; coined money.
4. sterling ·adj genuine; pure; of excellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.
5. sterling ·adj belonging to, or relating to, the standard british money of account, or the british coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling;
now chiefly applied to the lawful money of england; but sterling cost, sterling value, are used.