Meaning & Definition
noun
A small porch or set of steps at the entrance of a building.
They sat on the stoop, enjoying the warm summer evening.
An act of bending forward or down.
His stoop was a sign of his exhaustion after a long day of work.
verb
To bend the upper body forward and downwards.
She had to stoop to pick up the fallen pen.
To lower oneself, physically or metaphorically, often in submission or deference.
He refused to stoop to their level, even when provoked.
Etymology
Middle English 'stopen', 'stopen', from Old English 'stōpian' meaning to stoop, to bend.
Common Phrases and Expressions
stoop to someone's level:
To lower oneself morally or socially to match someone's behavior.
stoop over:
To lean or bend forward.
on the stoop:
Referring to sitting or standing on a porch or entrance.
Slang Meanings
To hang out or lounge around.
We were just stooping on the corner, waiting for friends.
To act in a way that is beneath one's dignity.
Don't stoop to their childish games.