English Reference
adjective · noun

stirring

adj. · n.
US /ˈstɝɪŋ/ UK /stˈɜːɹɪŋ/ stir·ring UK spelling stirrings

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Literary

    adj.causing strong feelings of excitement, pride, or energy.

    adj.evoking strong positive emotions, particularly inspiration, enthusiasm, or resolve.

    Simple

    The leader gave a stirring speech that made everyone want to help.

    In context

    The film concludes with a stirring orchestral score that perfectly captures the protagonist's hard-won triumph over adversity.

    boringuninspiring
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the very beginning of a feeling, an idea, or a movement.

    n.the initial sign or early development of a feeling, tendency, or social activity.

    Simple

    She felt the first stirrings of doubt about her decision to move.

    In context

    The late eighteenth century witnessed the first stirrings of the industrial revolution in the small textile towns of northern England.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of moving a spoon around in a liquid or a slight physical movement.

    n.the act of agitating a substance or a slight physical displacement.

    Simple

    The sauce needs constant stirring so it does not burn on the bottom.

    In context

    After hours of silence in the forest, the sudden stirring of leaves suggested a large animal was approaching the camp.

Webster, 29, from Lapworth, Warwickshire, admitted 10 counts of stirring up racial hatred online , including ones calling for the killing and extinction of his racial "enemies".

BBC News· 7 Sept 2026

The tale that emerges (squeaky-clean David learns to live a little) is simple but stirring, and Morpurgo ladles on poignancy at the end with an imagined “where are they now?” sequence.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated