stir-fry

1 of 2

verb

stir-fried; stir-frying; stir-fries

transitive verb

: to fry quickly over high heat in a lightly oiled pan (such as a wok) while stirring continuously

intransitive verb

: to prepare food by stir-frying it

stir-fry

2 of 2

noun

: a dish of something stir-fried

Examples of stir-fry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Made with savory-sweet tomatoes and fluffy eggs, this substantial, brothy soup shares the same key ingredients as a classic Chinese stir-fry. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 Frozen vegetables can quickly be added to soups, stews, and stir-fries. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Add the cabbage and stir-fry for 2-4 minutes. Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Apr. 2026 The siblings are a constant presence in the vibrant Southtown eatery, where the menu boasts fresh ceviche, pisco cocktails, and a hearty lomo saltado, a Peruvian spin on beef stir-fry with crispy Andean potatoes and choclo rice. Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stir-fry

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1955, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stir-fry was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Stir-fry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stir-fry. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

stir-fry

1 of 2 verb
ˈstər-ˈfrī
: to fry quickly over high heat while stirring continuously

stir-fry

2 of 2 noun
-ˌfrī
: a dish of something stir-fried

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