Stern – 1. strict and severe 2. The rearmost part of a ship or boat
(Pronounced sturn)
To remember the definition of the word stern, use the following mnemonic:
To steer, you turn (stern) the wheel at the rear of the ship, but you need someone quite strict who can put up with severe conditions.
Examples of stern in a sentence (Strict and severe)
He was a stern taskmaster, but he always ensured they got the job done properly.
She was stern when she needed to be, but also had a good sense of humour.
Her stern gaze indicated that she was unhappy with his behaviour.
Examples of stern in a sentence (The rearmost part of a ship of boat)
In the morning light, Brian yawned and walked towards the stern where Mark was steering the small fishing craft.
The stern is beginning to split apart from the wreck and is beginning to sink because of a hole in the hull.
The ship has a landing strip at the stern.
