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

The occasion took on a somber mood as it was led down Michigan Avenue by a riderless horse with black riding boots placed backward in the stirrups. —Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 21 Nov. 2024

The dramatic photos show the black horse throwing up its head and Prince Andrew pulling back on the reins while up in the stirrups, reacting to get the animal under control. —Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

The Cubs immortalized Sandberg this summer with a statue outside Wrigley Field that showed the nine-time Gold Glove winner in a ready defensive crouch, wearing flip sunglasses, a pullover V-neck jersey, stirrups and blue low-top cleats. —Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024

This fall, wear the staple with a cozy piece of knitwear and a pair of stirrup leggings, oversized suiting or a classic white t-shirt and denim pairing—the stylistic opportunities are endless. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 17 Oct. 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