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
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
Brief, stirring sections from Noelle’s point of view bookend the novel, inviting us to decide whether April’s plan succeeded. Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026 Sandberg was inducted on July 31, 2005, and delivered a stirring speech that criticized the products of the steroid era. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
Stir and continue cooking, stirring, until any lingering raw pieces are cooked through, about 30 seconds longer. Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Add last 1/2 cup broth and cook, stirring, until about 2/3 of the liquid disappears. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

stirring

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stirring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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