: 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
Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
It is located on a ranch in the high plains of New Mexico outside Sante Fe, with stirring views of the Sandia, Ortiz and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Kate Williams, AJC.com, 15 Feb. 2026
McFarland gave a teary, stirring eulogy in Charlotte last month — recalling stories of The Biff and his family.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
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Adjective
What unfolded from there, though, was a more stirring and revealing tale than anything that could have unfolded with Peterson playing.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
It is located on a ranch in the high plains of New Mexico outside Sante Fe, with stirring views of the Sandia, Ortiz and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
Add the paprika and continue to cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
—Kate Williams, AJC.com, 15 Feb. 2026
McFarland gave a teary, stirring eulogy in Charlotte last month — recalling stories of The Biff and his family.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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