stirrup

noun

stir·​rup ˈstər-əp 

also

ˈstir-əp 

 or  ˈstə-rəp

1

: either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding

2

: a piece resembling a stirrup: such as

a

: one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery

b

: a stirrup-shaped footrest

3

: a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope

4

: stapes

Examples of stirrup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the museum, the stirrups changed the history of cavalry. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

In addition, the owners’ collection of museum-quality western art is thoughtfully displayed, including a pair of old stirrups discovered at Round Top, as well as several paintings commissioned to depict beloved spots on the ranch. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024

Zimmerman comes off his horse and is dragged in the dirt with his foot caught in his stirrup. —airmail.news, 5 Oct. 2024

Banana Republic’s olive green shearling is the undeniable standout, while Frame’s festive Fair Isle and a pair of knitted stirrup leggings from J.Crew shine just the same in the mix. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stirop, from Old English stigrāp, from stig- (akin to Old High German stīgan to go up) + rāp rope — more at stair, rope

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing stirrup

• stirrup cup
• stirrup leather
• stirrup pants
• stirrup pump

Kids Definition

stirrup

noun

stir·​rup ˈstər-əp 

 also  ˈstir-əp,

 or  ˈstə-rəp

1

: either of a pair of small light frames often of metal hung by straps from a saddle and used as a support for the foot of a horseback rider

2

: the innermost bone of the chain of three small bones in the middle ear of a mammal

called also stapes

Medical Definition

stirrup

noun

stir·​rup

ˈstər-əp also ˈstir-əp or ˈstə-rəp

1

: stapes

2

: an attachment to an examining or operating table designed to raise and spread the legs of a patient