stirrup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal in primary meaning; technical in extended uses.
Quick answer
What does “stirrup” mean?
A metal loop, ring, or frame attached to a saddle for a rider's foot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metal loop, ring, or frame attached to a saddle for a rider's foot.
Anything resembling a stirrup in shape or function, such as a supportive device in anatomy, construction, or a part of a climbing harness; figuratively, a means of support or entry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'stirrup' for horse riding. 'Stirrup cup' (farewell drink) is more common in UK equestrian tradition.
Connotations
Associated with traditional country life/equine culture in both, but slightly stronger historical/aristocratic connotations in UK.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday language for both. Higher frequency in contexts related to horse riding, history, medicine, or construction.
Grammar
How to Use “stirrup” in a Sentence
[Verb] + stirrup (e.g., adjust, lose, find)stirrup + [Noun] (e.g., leather, strap, iron)[Preposition] + stirrup (e.g., in the stirrup, from the stirrup)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stirrup” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stirrup leather needed oiling.
- He attended the traditional stirrup cup ceremony.
American English
- The stirrup iron was polished brightly.
- She felt the stirrup pad for comfort.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical texts (e.g., 'the stirrup revolutionized warfare'), medical texts ('stapes or stirrup bone in the ear'), and archaeology.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in the context of horse riding, equestrian sports, or historical films/books.
Technical
Anatomy: stirrup bone (stapes). Construction: stirrup (a U-shaped support in scaffolding). Safety: stirrup in climbing/harness systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stirrup”
- Misspelling: 'stirup', 'stirrip'.
- Using 'stirrup' as a verb (to stirrup something is non-standard).
- Confusing 'stirrup' with 'saddle' or 'reins'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'stirrup' is a noun. The related verb is 'to stir' which has a completely different meaning.
It is a farewell drink offered to a rider about to depart, traditionally served at the stirrup. It's a British equestrian tradition.
Yes, besides the standard equestrian stirrup, there are safety stirrups that break away, endurance stirrups, and specialized stirrups for different riding disciplines.
It's the common name for the stapes, the smallest bone in the human body, located in the middle ear. It is shaped like a stirrup.
A metal loop, ring, or frame attached to a saddle for a rider's foot.
Stirrup is usually neutral to formal in primary meaning; technical in extended uses. in register.
Stirrup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪr.əp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪr.əp/ /ˈstɝː.əp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stirrup cup (a parting drink given to a rider)”
- “in the stirrups (ready to ride; in a prepared position)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You STIR a horse to move with your foot in the STIRRUP. Or: A STIRRUP helps you UP onto the horse.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STIRRUP IS A SUPPORT/PLATFORM (Provides stability and a step up).
Practice
Quiz
In anatomy, the 'stirrup' refers to which bone in the ear?