US 🔉
UK 🔉
stern¹
/st3;n; US st3;rn/
adjective
(stern·er, stern·est)
serious and harsh; firm
▪ a stern face/expression
▪ a stern warning
▪ The teacher gave the students a stern warning.
▪ Her father looked at her with a stern expression.
▪ The judge remained stern throughout the trial.
stern²
/st3;n; US st3;rn/
noun [countable]
[usually singular]
the rear/back part of a ship or boat
▪ The passengers gathered near the stern to watch the sunset.
▪ The captain stood at the stern and watched the harbor disappear.
▪ Children were not allowed to play near the stern of the ferry.
▪ A rescue rope was tied to the stern of the boat.
▪ The fishing net was pulled in from the stern.
▪ Water splashed against the stern as the boat sped away.
▪ They sat at the stern enjoying the cool sea breeze.
▪ The stern of the ship was damaged during the storm.
▪ A small flag fluttered at the stern.
▪ The lifeboat was attached to the stern of the vessel.
▪ From the stern, they could see the white trail left by the ship.
▪ The crew loaded supplies through an opening near the stern.
▪ He walked from the bow to the stern of the yacht.