- present participle of stimulate.
stimulating
Americanadjective
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causing interest, inspiration, or incitement to action.
We offer a stimulating work environment with lots of opportunity for growth.
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inciting; acting as a cause.
Rapid technological change is described by some authors as a stimulating factor in the decline of traditional ways of growing food.
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having the property of exciting a nerve, gland, etc., to its functional activity.
This plant tincture has a stimulating effect on the liver, spleen, and digestive system.
adjective
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inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm
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(of a physical activity) making one feel refreshed and energetic
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of stimulating
First recorded in 1640–50; stimulate ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Something that is stimulating is exciting or interesting. If your teacher wants the whole class to dress up like pandas because it'll be more fun to learn about the adorable creatures that way, you have a stimulating teacher and a stimulating lesson. Stimulating things may activate the mind, the body, and the emotions in a positive way. They can make you feel more alert, engaged, or enthusiastic. Working to solve a challenging puzzle, participating in a lively discussion, or watching an informative documentary may all be stimulating activities. If seeing a close friend makes you feel happy and excited, it's a stimulating experience.
Vocabulary lists containing stimulating
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Stimulating the body's immune system to attack tumors is a promising alternative to treat cancer.
From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2024
Stimulating these neurons prods them to send signals to brown adipose tissue, a highly metabolic fat located on the upper back that is tasked with turning up body heat when things get too chilled.
From Scientific American • Jun. 5, 2023
Stimulating Mrgprb4 neurons was pleasurable, and female mice spent more time in designated sections of the cage where researchers activated the cells.
From Washington Post • Feb. 9, 2023
"Stimulating growth of retailer and corporate lending by lowering the rate is currently pointless, in my view."
From Reuters • Oct. 24, 2022
Stimulating foods, pepper, vinegar, mustard, spices, tea and coffee, excess meat nutriment hasten puberty.
From Sex Avoided subjects Discussed in Plain English by Stanton, Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
