noun
stirrup
STIH-ruhp
Stirrup (noun) means a loop or ring hanging from a saddle that a rider rests a foot in while mounting or riding a horse. Example: “She adjusted the stirrups before climbing into the saddle.”
noun
1
A loop or ring hanging from a saddle that a rider rests a foot in while mounting or riding a horse.
"She adjusted the stirrups before climbing into the saddle."
2
The smallest bone in the human body, located in the middle ear (also called the stapes), named for its stirrup-like shape.
"Sound vibrations pass through the hammer, anvil, and stirrup bones before reaching the inner ear."
How to use stirrup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe foot support that hangs from a horse saddle — or, by shape, the tiny stirrup-shaped bone in the ear.
Common pairings
put a foot in the stirrup
stirrup leather
stirrup bone
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like stirrup.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- stirrups
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She adjusted the _____ before climbing into the saddle.
Etymology
From Old English stigrap, literally "climbing rope" — combining a word related to "ascend" with "rope."
Synonyms
View more →
stapes
stirrup iron
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “stirrup” mean?
The word “stirrup” means a loop or ring hanging from a saddle that a rider rests a foot in while mounting or riding a horse. In plain terms, the foot support that hangs from a horse saddle — or, by shape, the tiny stirrup-shaped bone in the ear.
How do you pronounce “stirrup”?
“Stirrup” is pronounced STIH-ruhp (/ˈstɝ.əp/ in IPA).
How do you use “stirrup” in a sentence?
Here is “stirrup” used in a sentence: “She adjusted the stirrups before climbing into the saddle.”
What part of speech is “stirrup”?
“Stirrup” is a noun.
Where does the word “stirrup” come from?
The word “stirrup” comes from Old English. From Old English stigrap, literally "climbing rope" — combining a word related to "ascend" with "rope.".
How many meanings does “stirrup” have?
“Stirrup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a loop or ring hanging from a saddle that a rider rests a foot in while mounting or riding a horse.
