stirrup

Everyday

1. A stirrup is a metal loop that hangs on each side of a horse's saddle, for the rider to put their foot in. tree →
2. The stirrup (or stapes) is also a tiny bone in the middle ear, shaped like a stirrup; it is the smallest bone in the human body. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday life and sport: horse riders keep their feet in the stirrups for balance. History: stirrups helped riders stay on horses in battle and changed how wars were fought. Science: the ear has three tiny bones: hammer, anvil and stirrup, which pass sounds to the inner ear.

Examples

• Put your feet in the stirrups before you ride. tree →
• She shortened the stirrups for the pony. tree →
• The knight stood up in his stirrups. tree →
• The stirrup is the smallest bone in your body. tree →
• Hammer, anvil and stirrup are the ear bones. tree →
• His foot slipped out of the stirrup. tree →
• A stirrup cup is a drink before a ride (old custom). tree →
• The King gave him a beautiful charger, with golden stirrups, and a sword. tree →

Note

Countable, usually in pairs. Spelling: double r and a single p: s-t-i-r-r-u-p. Said «STIR-up».