stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
Synonyms of stirringnext
1
: active, bustling
2
: rousing, inspiring
a stirring speech

stirring

2 of 2

noun

: a beginning of motion or activity : movement
—often used in plural
the first stirrings of revolution

Synonyms of stirring

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Adjective

Noun

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Examples of stirring in a Sentence

Adjective a stirring rendition of the national anthem the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring “I Have a Dream” speech still resonates today Noun I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind.
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.
Adjective
Facing global threats, including a kingdom of undersea warriors, a new Black Panther comes to the forefront in a stirring story about life, legacy and loss. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026 The film festival in northern Spain has promised another stirring competition selection, too, with movies from Mike Leigh, Pablo Larrain and Benjamín Naishtat. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Noun
Meanwhile, heat remaining ¼ cup honey and ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low, stirring, until smooth. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 Haaland’s singularity was a testament to how humanity seeks heroes — but Spain’s ultimate triumph via crisp passes and selfless teamwork offered a stirring, convincing collective counterpoint. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stirring

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stirring was before the 12th century

Rhymes for stirring

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Browse Nearby Words

stirrer
stirring
stirringly
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Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stirring

adjective
stir·​ring
ˈstər-iŋ
: moving sense 3, inspiring
a stirring speech

More from Merriam-Webster on stirring

Nglish: Translation of stirring for Spanish Speakers

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