Word
stimulus
Phoneticsstim·u·lus, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɪmjəɫəs/
UK/stˈɪmjʊləs/
Definitions
01a physical or mental trigger
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. something that causes a reaction in a person, animal, or plant.
n. an external event or agent that elicits a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
“The bright light was a stimulus that made the cat's eyes change shape.”
“Researchers measured the time it took for the subjects to react to the auditory stimulus during the sleep study.”
Usage
The plural form is 'stimuli'.
Pitfall
The stimuli was very strong.
The stimulus was very strong.
Stimulus is singular; stimuli is the plural form.
Teaching tip
In science and psychology, this refers to the input that causes a response.
02an incentive or boost
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. something that encourages growth, activity, or effort.
n. an incentive or spur that promotes activity, particularly in an economic or social context.
“The government provided a financial stimulus to help small businesses grow.”
“Economists debated whether the proposed tax cuts would provide enough stimulus to revive the stagnant manufacturing sector.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a stinging part
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a sharp, stinging part on a plant or an insect's body.
n. a stinging hair or organ on a plant or animal.
“The biologist examined the tiny stimulus on the leaf under a microscope.”
“Certain species of nettle possess a stimulus that injects irritating fluids into the skin upon the slightest contact.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stimulus” in context.
Verb
01. provide stimulus
“The government's new tax cuts are intended to provide stimulus to the sluggish economy.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. external stimulus
“The organism's reaction was triggered by an external stimulus in its environment.”
adj + noun
03. visual stimulus
“Infants often show a strong preference for a complex visual stimulus over a simple one.”
adj + noun
Noun
04. stimulus presentation
“The timing of the stimulus presentation was carefully controlled during the psychological experiment.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“Philadelphia public schools received a total of $1.8 billion in federal stimulus funds between 2020 and 2024 to upgrade facilities and support academic recovery.” “In many cases, however, these state changes are irreversible, in the sense that cells do not return to their original state even after the stimulus disappears.” “Near the transition point, even a tiny external stimulus produces a dramatic change in the material's properties.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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