stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
1
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

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
The scene between them crescendoes into a stirring montage. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2024 Perhaps Scheffler’s stirring Sunday should come as little surprise. Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 4 Aug. 2024
Noun
This cookware design makes cheffing as seamless as possible with sloped sides for easy stirring, and a wide frame for making big batches. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 For the last six months, Afghanistan has felt the stirring of something rare: if not peace, then the promise of its pursuit. John Walsh, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2018 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

Dictionary Entries Near stirring

Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stirring

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stirring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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