stirrer
nounUK /ˈstɜːɹə/ · US /ˈstɝɚ/
Etymology From stir + -er.
1
A device used to stir. (Cardinal types include wood or plastic strips (for beverages) and magnetic objects that react to a spinning magnet nearby (for chemistry beakers).
- We're out of coffee stirrers again and I'm not using my finger!
2
A person who stirs something.
- The stirrers in the chocolate factory often get chocolate all over their uniforms.
3
Slang A person who spreads rumours or causes agitation.
- Near-synonyms: (vulgar) shit-stirrer, shit disturber, shitmonger
- Why would you say something so hurtful? God, you are such a stirrer!
4
One who stirs or moves about, as after sleep.
- I heard some early stirrers in the kitchen at dawn, but I saw no reason to get up yet.
- An early stirrer, by the rood!c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth, […]. Epilogue.”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii], page 3:
- Derived terms
- champagne stirrer, magnetic stirrer, pot stirrer, shit-stirrer, stirrer-up