1. something that causes a reaction or increased activity
2. something that causes a response in a living organism
Usage: biology; psychology
3. government spending designed to encourage economic activity
Usage: economics

Examples

• The tax cut served as a stimulus for consumer spending.
• Bright light is a stimulus that causes the pupil to contract.
• The government passed a stimulus package to help the economy recover.
• Exercise provides a stimulus for muscle growth.
• The loud noise was a stimulus that made the dog bark.
• Reading books can be a stimulus for creative thinking.
• The economic stimulus helped create new jobs.