sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər 

plural sterilizers

: one that sterilizes something: such as

a

: an apparatus for destroying viable microorganisms (as by the use of steam or dry heat) compare autoclave, sterilant

b

: a person whose work involves sterilizing something (such as medical equipment)

Examples of sterilizer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Coincidentally or not, the sterilizer industry’s trade group had made this same argument in a 2024 legal filing. —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026

The change sought to reduce the amount of EtO released from commercial sterilizers by 90% and lessen the hazards for nearby communities. —Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

The Trump administration proposed Friday to loosen rules surrounding emissions of a cancer-causing gas from sterilizer plants. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2026

Many hotels even provide baby monitors, bottle warmers, changing tables, sterilizers, baby-safe bath amenities, and even diapers. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sterilizer

• advertiser
• analyser
• analyzer
• appetizer
• atomizer
• breathalyzer
• colonizer
• crystallizer
• digitizer
• equalizer
• fertilizer
• localizer

Kids Definition

sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er

ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər

: one that sterilizes something

especially : a device used for sterilizing by steam, boiling water, or dry heat

Medical Definition

sterilizer

noun

ster·​il·​iz·​er

variants also British steriliser

ˈster-ə-ˌlī-zər 

: an apparatus for sterilizing (as by the agency of steam, ultraviolet radiation, or chemicals)