: 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
New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
Among the film’s quietest, yet most stirring turns is Elle Fanning’s performance as Rachel, a famous American actress starring in Gustav’s latest film.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Osaka versus Gauff can’t pass by without some stirring of the soul.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
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
The researchers were interested in four music types classed as joyful, soft, stirring (passionate) and sad.
—New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
Among the film’s quietest, yet most stirring turns is Elle Fanning’s performance as Rachel, a famous American actress starring in Gustav’s latest film.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Manas is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid… important.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Osaka versus Gauff can’t pass by without some stirring of the soul.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share