stirrup

noun

stir·​rup ˈstər-əp 

also

ˈstir-əp 

 or  ˈstə-rəp

1

: either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding

2

: a piece resembling a stirrup: such as

a

: one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery

b

: a stirrup-shaped footrest

3

: a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope

4

: stapes

Examples of stirrup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Indian seemed startled, sat uncertainly in his saddle for a minute, then pumped both feet from the stirrups and flew off his horse. —Tom Stacer, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025

Luckily, designers are prepared with ladylike jackets with a roomier fit—ideal for pairing with some stirrup leggings and a heel or ballerina. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025

The site is believed to have been an important port during the Late Bronze Age, which spanned from 1600 to 1050 B.C. Among the vessels discovered were stirrup jars, which are distinguished by their wide tops and narrow bottoms, photos published in the study show. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025

In her book, The Race to be Myself, Semenya describes how, at 18 years old and at the 2009 World Athletics Championships, she was forced to strip naked, put her legs in stirrups and have a sonogram wand inserted inside her. —Katie Whyatt, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stirop, from Old English stigrāp, from stig- (akin to Old High German stīgan to go up) + rāp rope — more at stair, rope

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stirrup

• stirrup cup
• stirrup leather
• stirrup pants
• stirrup pump

Rhymes for stirrup

• syrup

Kids Definition

stirrup

noun

stir·​rup ˈstər-əp 

 also  ˈstir-əp,

 or  ˈstə-rəp

1

: either of a pair of small light frames often of metal hung by straps from a saddle and used as a support for the foot of a horseback rider

2

: the innermost bone of the chain of three small bones in the middle ear of a mammal

called also stapes

Medical Definition

stirrup

noun

stir·​rup

ˈstər-əp also ˈstir-əp or ˈstə-rəp

1

: stapes

2

: an attachment to an examining or operating table designed to raise and spread the legs of a patient