captivating
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- captivatingly adverb
- uncaptivating adjective
Etymology
Origin of captivating
First recorded in 1670–80; captivat(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What a bounty of heart, wit and captivating stage presence from this Irish singer behind “Euro-Country,” one of the funniest and most wrenching albums of 2025.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
In the intervening weeks, he held interviews and wrote letters from his jail cell, denouncing slavery and captivating the country with his dedication and resolve.
From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026
The two events offered some of the most captivating work in recent memory, from paintings that integrate AI to head-spinning ceramic sculptures.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026
China's freeski superstar Eileen Gu stayed on course to defend her Olympic big air crown on Saturday despite a worrying crash, keeping alive her captivating duel with Mathilde Gremaud at the Milan-Cortina Games.
From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026
I didn’t look back, but I could hear Uncle Turu’s sure voice, already captivating the people.
From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
