IPA: /stuːp/
KK: /stup/
To bend forward and down from the waist or back, often to pick something up or to fit into a smaller space.
He had to stoop to pick up the fallen book.
Past: stooped
Past Participle: stooped
A small porch or set of steps at the entrance of a house or building, often used for sitting or standing.
She sat on the stoop, enjoying the warm evening breeze.
To bend the upper part of the body forward and down, often while standing or sitting.
He had to stoop to pick up the fallen book from the ground.
Past: stooped
Past Participle: stooped
The word 'stoop' originates from Middle Dutch 'stoepen', meaning to bend or to stoop. It reflects the action of bending forward or downwards.
Imagine bending down or leaning forward, which is what 'stooping' means. This helps you remember that 'stoop' refers to the action of bending.