sticking plaster

noun

chiefly British
: an adhesive plaster especially for closing superficial wounds

Examples of sticking plaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The team has been cobbled together and is full of sticking plasters, most notably on the flanks. Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 Investors initially reacted well to the news, though skeptical voices asked whether the move merely put a sticking plaster over harder-to-solve issues at the group, particularly its low margins thanks to the costs of bumper record deals. Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 23 Apr. 2024 Much like many other solutions that are proposed to the climate crisis right now are sticking plasters. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2023 Nevertheless, with telehealth and digital healthcare apps still in their infancy, alternative communication options might just be the best sticking plaster for now to keep everyone happy and healthy whilst the accessibility model continues to mature. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 29 June 2022 But preparing officers for stressful situations risks simply putting a sticking plaster on a much bigger problem—the tendency for police officers, particularly in America, to approach even minor interactions with the public in an almost frenzied state. Amit Katwala, Wired, 8 June 2021 Moreover, are certain actions – like disposable cups in stadiums, or the use of recycled fibres in kits – simply a sticking plaster over much wider issues across the entire supply chain? Jonquil Hackenberg, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2021 The answers might involve some sticking plasters to make sure no-deal contingency plans work, more public spending to support business, and even more European Central Bank stimulus. Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sticking plaster was in 1584

Dictionary Entries Near sticking plaster

Cite this Entry

“Sticking plaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticking%20plaster. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

sticking plaster

noun
stick·​ing plaster ˈstik-iŋ-ˌ How to pronounce sticking plaster (audio)
: an adhesive plaster especially for closing superficial wounds
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