noun
Common
stimulus
STIHM-yuh-luhs
Stimulus (noun) means something that triggers a reaction or response. Example: “Bright light is a strong stimulus that makes the pupil shrink.”
noun
1
Something that triggers a reaction or response.
"Bright light is a strong stimulus that makes the pupil shrink."
"A loud noise can act as a stimulus for a startled reaction."
"The government announced a stimulus package to boost the economy."
How to use stimulus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAnything that sets off a reaction, from a nerve response to an economic boost.
Common mistake
The plural is "stimuli", not "stimuluses".
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- stimuluses, stimuli
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Bright light is a strong _____ that makes the pupil shrink.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin stimulus, meaning "goad" or "prick" — the thing used to spur an ox forward.
Related words
Rhymes for stimulus
See all rhymes for stimulus →Frequently asked questions
What does “stimulus” mean?
The word “stimulus” means something that triggers a reaction or response. In plain terms, anything that sets off a reaction, from a nerve response to an economic boost.
How do you pronounce “stimulus”?
“Stimulus” is pronounced STIHM-yuh-luhs (/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “stimulus” in a sentence?
Here is “stimulus” used in a sentence: “A loud noise can act as a stimulus for a startled reaction.”
What part of speech is “stimulus”?
“Stimulus” is a noun.
Where does the word “stimulus” come from?
The word “stimulus” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin stimulus, meaning "goad" or "prick" — the thing used to spur an ox forward.
Is “stimulus” a common word?
“Stimulus” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "stimulus" and a "response"?
A stimulus is the trigger that causes a reaction, while a response is the reaction itself that follows it.
What is the plural of "stimulus"?
The standard plural is "stimuli," reflecting the word's Latin origin.
How is "stimulus" used in economics?
In economics, a "stimulus" refers to government spending or policy measures intended to trigger increased economic activity.
