jaw-dropping

adjective

jaw-drop·​ping ˈjȯ-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce jaw-dropping (audio)
: causing great surprise or astonishment
jaw-dropper noun
jaw-droppingly adverb

Examples of jaw-dropping in a Sentence

the jaw-dropping prices for high-end modern art at the auction houses this season
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.
This action — a mistake or incompetence, take your pick — risks disseminating important information, jaw-dropping in its specificity, to our enemies, and could perhaps endanger American lives. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 At the Billboard Women in Music Awards, the blue carpet was full of jaw-dropping looks from Hollywood’s favorite stars. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025 The Shrinking star made a whopping seven outfit changes throughout the night, each more colorful and jaw-dropping as the next. Catherine Santino, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 What is amazing any more if the word is used to describe events that fall far short of jaw-dropping? Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jaw-dropping

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jaw-dropping was in 1980

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Cite this Entry

“Jaw-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jaw-dropping. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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