breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
Synonyms of breathtakingnext
1
: causing one to breathe rapidly or with difficulty : making one out of breath
a breathtaking pain in her side
2
a
: exciting, thrilling
a breathtaking race
b
: very great : astonishing
his breathtaking ignorance
breathtakingly
ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of breathtaking in a Sentence

The train raced past with breathtaking speed. They gave a breathtaking performance. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. a scene of breathtaking beauty The scope of the error is breathtaking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kenya has a way of captivating you — the mind-bending landscapes, curious wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets that are best savored in the still of the bush. —Venetia Martin, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 The two championship golf courses provide breathtaking scenery and challenging games. —Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Boasting a stunning roof deck and panoramic windows from almost all rooms, the breathtaking views are endless. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024 There are cosy rooms and retreats throughout, from the comfy bar to the quiet reading room all with breathtaking views over the lake and the fells beyond. —Natasha Langan, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for breathtaking 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathtaking was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near breathtaking

breathtaker

breathtaking

breath test

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Breathtaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathtaking. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

breathtaking

adjective
breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
1
: making one out of breath
breathtaking speed
2
: exciting, thrilling
breathtaking beauty
breathtakingly
-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on breathtaking

Nglish: Translation of breathtaking for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of breathtaking for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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