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

Adjective

• breathtaking
• charged
• electric
• electrifying
• exciting
• exhilarating
• exhilarative
• galvanic
• galvanizing
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• inspiring
• intoxicating
• kicky
• mind-bending
• mind-blowing
• mind-boggling
• rip-roaring
• rousing
• stimulating
• thrilling

Noun

• motion
• move
• movement
• shift
• shifting
• stir

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

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, for example, offered stirring competition and finished with hundreds of millions in surplus revenue. —David Wharton, Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2024

Rubio had delivered a stirring prime time address that ratcheted up speculation about his future prospects. —Brianne Pfannenstiel, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024

Noun

Add the pecans and heat the pecans, about 1 minute, occasionally tossing or stirring. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 15 July 2024

This homemade salsa comes together with just 7 ingredients and just requires a little bit of stirring. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 5 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

stirring

adjective

stir·​ring

ˈstər-iŋ

: moving sense 3, inspiring

a stirring speech