stirring

1 of 3

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ 

1

: active, bustling

2

: rousing entry 1, inspiring entry 1

a stirring speech

stirring

2 of 3

noun

: a beginning of motion or activity : movement

—often plural

the first stirrings of revolution

stirring

3 of 3

present participle of stir entry 1

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

Defying the odds, Onwards and Sideways emerges as a stirring lesson on learning to address the inevitable with grace and acceptance. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Saturday’s game began with a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by violinist Demola. — Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Noun

When the oil is shimmering, add the panko and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

More likely she was hooked by the subliminal stirrings and emotional undertow of the music. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 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