stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
Synonyms of stirringnext
1
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

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
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Adjective
They’re tucked just behind a stirring saxophone performance. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 Start with the American crowd, which led a stirring rendition of the National Anthem in Seattle, giving the players goosebumps. Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026
Noun
The speech that Coleman Domingo made demanding an end to cover-ups was passionate and stirring. Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Just six ingredients and a little stirring are required to get this casserole into the oven. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stirring

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stirring was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

stirring

adjective
stir·​ring
ˈstər-iŋ
: moving sense 3, inspiring
a stirring speech

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