stirring

American  

[stur-ing] / ˈstɜr ɪŋ /

adjective

1. rousing, exciting, or thrilling.

   a stirring speech.

2. moving, active, bustling, or lively.

   a stirring business.

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noun

1. a mental impulse, sensation, or feeling.

   stirrings of hope.

2. a small movement.

   the best thing she could do was to pretend that her husband's nocturnal stirrings didn't wake her

stirring British  

/ ˈstɜːrɪŋ /

adjective

1. exciting the emotions; stimulating

2. active, lively, or busy

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Other Word Forms

• stirringly adverb
• unstirring adjective

Etymology

Origin of stirring

before 900; Middle English stiringe, Old English styriende. See stir ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Few breakfasts and refreshment breaks didn’t include someone squeezing a cylinder of icy concentrate into a pitcher, adding water and stirring until it became a drinkable delight.

From Salon

They let it sit for a week, investigators said, occasionally stirring the liquid with a wooden baseball bat.

From Los Angeles Times

At the back of his head he could sense her stirring from her slumber.

From Literature

These two roles couldn’t be more different, but Seyfried’s ability to bring each one a uniquely stirring depth can’t be discounted.

From Salon

But as an honest, comprehensive portrait of a singular, impassioned artist, “Wifredo Lam” is genuinely stirring.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• electrifying
• emotional
• exhilarating
• gripping
• heartbreaking
• heartrending
• inspirational
• inspiring
• touching