stirrup
noun
stir·rup 
ˈstər-əp,
also ˈstir-əp,
or
ˈstə-rəp 1
: either of a pair of small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider that are attached by a strap to a saddle and used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding
2
: a piece resembling a stirrup: such as
a
: one used as a support or clamp in carpentry and machinery
b
: a stirrup-shaped footrest
3
: a rope secured to a yard and attached to a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope
4
: stapes
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web That’s when a stirrup on the horse’s saddle caught a log. 
oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2022 That position is taken by the stirrup, a tiny bone in the inner ear that assists in conducting sound vibrations, according to verywellhealth.com. Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 17 June 2022 Psychedelic marbled prints in red, black, and white are leveraged on easy silhouettes infused with a sporty sensibility ( like mock-neck slip dresses, stirrup leggings, and technical puffers). Shelby Ying Hyde, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Mar. 2022 The Attico stirrup leggings for stretchy pairs labeled as maternity wear? Alice Newbold, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2022 In another appearance in Los Angeles in February, Rihanna again upped the ante in a black Jean Paul Gaultier cardigan that laced up over her bump, pairing it with stirrup leggings, a Carhartt jacket, Balenciaga shades, and Jimmy Choo pumps. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2022 Her pale complexion is amplified by an all black ensemble: turtleneck and stirrup pants tucked into zip-up the Row clompers. Chloe Malle, Town & Country, 19 Jan. 2022 In the response to his tweet, one Twitter user noted their own gynecologist’s stirrup warmers that make the footholds more comfortable and ease the tension of an inherently vulnerable doctor’s appointment. Kylie Logan, Fortune, 7 Dec. 2021 The most recent drop includes favorites like catsuits and tights and includes embellished socks, stirrup leggings, and bodycon dresses, too. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2021 See More
oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2022 That position is taken by the stirrup, a tiny bone in the inner ear that assists in conducting sound vibrations, according to verywellhealth.com. Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 17 June 2022 Psychedelic marbled prints in red, black, and white are leveraged on easy silhouettes infused with a sporty sensibility ( like mock-neck slip dresses, stirrup leggings, and technical puffers). Shelby Ying Hyde, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Mar. 2022 The Attico stirrup leggings for stretchy pairs labeled as maternity wear? Alice Newbold, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2022 In another appearance in Los Angeles in February, Rihanna again upped the ante in a black Jean Paul Gaultier cardigan that laced up over her bump, pairing it with stirrup leggings, a Carhartt jacket, Balenciaga shades, and Jimmy Choo pumps. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2022 Her pale complexion is amplified by an all black ensemble: turtleneck and stirrup pants tucked into zip-up the Row clompers. Chloe Malle, Town & Country, 19 Jan. 2022 In the response to his tweet, one Twitter user noted their own gynecologist’s stirrup warmers that make the footholds more comfortable and ease the tension of an inherently vulnerable doctor’s appointment. Kylie Logan, Fortune, 7 Dec. 2021 The most recent drop includes favorites like catsuits and tights and includes embellished socks, stirrup leggings, and bodycon dresses, too. Rachel Besser, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English stirop, from Old English stigrāp, from stig- (akin to Old High German stīgan to go up) + rāp rope — more at stair, rope
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing stirrup
Kids Definition
stirrup
noun
stir·rup ˈstər-əp
: either of a pair of small light frames or loops often of metal hung by straps from a saddle and used as a support for the foot of a horseback rider
Medical Definition
stirrup
noun
stir·rup
ˈstər-əp also ˈstir-əp or ˈstə-rəp
1
: stapes
2
: an attachment to an examining or operating table designed to raise and spread the legs of a patient