stirring

1 of 2

adjective

stir·​ring ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
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
The sketch began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, during which Miranda's Hamilton entered to give a stirring speech that transitioned into a rap. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 Down in Atlanta, Coco Jones delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem at the College Football Playoff National Championship, and R&B favorites Keyshia Cole and Tank celebrated MLK Weekend with soulful sounds. Okla Jones, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
Apart from the stirrings of older Indian, Ottoman, and Persian power centers, the most important difference today is the displacement of Japan by China as the central player in the Asian balance of power. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018 The hot temperature, the water exposure—even the stirring of the spoon can cause tea bags to leach plastic, García-Rodríguez explained. Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stirring. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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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