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Which nautical term describes the direction toward a ship's stern?

stern

[sturn] / stɜrn /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Russian ambassadors in Berlin, London, Paris, Brussels and other capitals have been summoned by their hosts for stern lectures.

From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026

The stern and central section appear to have been covered with the same material, while researchers identified three distinct coating batches at the bow.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

By then we'll know what's the most suitable moniker - the overly-familiar Sebba or Poco - or something more stern.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

She’s stern, unsmiling and outspoken, although there is, of course, a soft center under that hard exterior.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

His voice is suddenly stern and rigid like Nyla’s.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Boats have toppled pilings, and hard landings have cracked sterns.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Navy said Revolutionary Guard vessels repeatedly crossed the bows and sterns of several American ships at close range and high speed in the northern Gulf.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 22, 2020

With the sterns half-ashore, breakers could then cut in and dismantle the ships laterally, as a snacker might eat through a baguette.

From The Guardian ● May 2, 2017

Thousands of office workers rush past it every day without noticing its three bay windows carved as the sterns of baroque frigates, complete with waves, dolphins and trailing seaweed.

From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2015

They are long, with pointed sterns and elaborately painted bodies.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

Fireworks can frighten animals and send them scattering, but Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets apparently are made of sterner stuff.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

Much sterner tests lie ahead for Rosenior, starting with a visit from Premier League leaders Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

From Barron's ● Jan. 10, 2026

But it remains to be seen whether this president and the country he leads are ready for the sterner tests to come.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025

Although the next two games of Scotland's travels have taken on more importance due to world ranking points, the tourists might not face a sterner test than the one they had in northern New Zealand.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2025

She gave a cursory glance to the children—and then a second, far sterner look.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

It was probably the sternest test the Americans have faced in the tournament.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

The blockage in the Persian Gulf poses the sternest test the reserves have ever faced.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026

PSG come into the sternest test yet of their European title defence top of the French Ligue 1 and with three wins from three so far in the league phase.

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025

In death penalty cases, the legal system is put to its sternest test.

From Salon ● Jun. 29, 2025

The principal nodded slightly but gave his sternest look before asking for one hundred dollars.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty




Vocabulary lists containing stern


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