sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz 
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make (something or someone) sterile: such as
a
: to free from all viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat)
sterilize surgical instruments in an autoclave
b(1)
: to deprive of the power of reproducing through surgery
sterilize cats and dogs
(2)
: to make incapable of germination
studied the effects of sterilizing wheat florets
c
: to cause (land) to become unfruitful
There, 1,100-degree pyroclastic flows had sterilized the land.—
Christine Colasurdo
Christine ColasurdoExamples of sterilize in a Sentence
The organization encourages people to sterilize their cats and dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web
One proclamation exempts about 40 medical device sterilizing plants from requirements to reduce 90 percent of their emissions of cancer-causing ethylene oxide.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Instead, Buy Microwave Sterilizing Bags A much cheaper and easier option for sterilizing baby equipment like bottles and breast pump parts is microwave sterilizing bags.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 July 2025
While most infections occur during recreational freshwater activities, people trying to clean their sinuses are advised to use distilled, sterilized or boiled — and then cooled — water to avoid infection or illness.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Every microphone will have to be sterilized before the next person uses it.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterilize
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Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Instead, Buy Microwave Sterilizing Bags A much cheaper and easier option for sterilizing baby equipment like bottles and breast pump parts is microwave sterilizing bags.
—Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 July 2025
While most infections occur during recreational freshwater activities, people trying to clean their sinuses are advised to use distilled, sterilized or boiled — and then cooled — water to avoid infection or illness.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Every microphone will have to be sterilized before the next person uses it.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sterilize
Cite this Entry
“Sterilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterilize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sterilize
verb
ster·il·ize
ˈster-ə-ˌlīz
sterilized; sterilizing
: to make sterile: as
a
: to deprive of the power of reproduction
had their cat sterilized
b
: to free of microscopic living things and especially germs (as bacteria)
sterilize the dental instruments
Medical Definition
sterilize
transitive verb
ster·il·ize
variants
also British sterilise
sterilized also British sterilised; sterilizing also British sterilising
: to make sterile:
a
: to deprive of the power of reproducing
b
: to free from living microorganisms (as by the use of physical or chemical agents)
sterilize a surgical instrument
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