stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ 

1

: active, bustling

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

Synonyms of stirring

Adjective

• breathtaking
• exciting
• interesting
• thrilling
• intriguing
• inspiring

Noun

• shifting
• movement
• move
• shift

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

Adjective

Although Women in Love’s not-so-subtle homoeroticism caused it to be banned in Turkey, it’s now widely considered Russell’s most stirring work. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026

They’re tucked just behind a stirring saxophone performance. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026

Noun

Note that natural peanut butters (made with just peanuts and salt) will develop oil separation at the top and require stirring and refrigeration before use. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026

The speech that Coleman Domingo made demanding an end to cover-ups was passionate and stirring. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

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

Rhymes for stirring

• blurring
• flouring
• furring
• purring
• slurring
• spurring
• whirring
• averring
• concurring
• conferring
• deburring
• deferring

Kids Definition

stirring

adjective

stir·​ring

ˈstər-iŋ

: moving sense 3, inspiring

a stirring speech