stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
Synonyms of stirringnext
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
She’s forced to deliver a stirring speech to convince him. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 May 2026 On Saturday, Embiid checked the Celtics off his list, scoring 34 points in a stirring Game 7 upset over Boston. Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Noun
Adding the grits to the pot slowly while stirring is key to the dish's creaminess and no lumps. Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 15 May 2026 Then stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, mustard and thyme, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

stirring

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

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