breathless

[breth-lis]

adjective

1. without breath or breathing with difficulty; gasping; panting.

   We were breathless after the steep climb.

2. with the breath held, as in suspense, astonishment, fear, or the like.

   breathless listeners of the mystery story.

3. causing loss of breath, as from excitement, anticipation, or tension.

   a breathless ride.

4. dead; lifeless.

5. motionless or still, as air without a breeze.

   a breathless summer day.

breathless

/ ˈbrɛθlɪs /

adjective

1. out of breath; gasping, etc

2. holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc

   a breathless confrontation

3. (esp of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling

4. rare,  lifeless; dead

Other Word Forms

• breathlessly adverb
• breathlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of breathless¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathless is from the Middle English word brethles. See breath, -less

Example Sentences

“Louvre Heist” is an economical and fairly breathless dash around the French capital, the crime scene and the details of the as-yet-unsolved robbery.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On a breathless day, Australia's bowlers hauled the home side back into contention in a thunderous period after lunch as England slumped from 65-1 to 104-7.

Read more on BBC

A song with a formulaic feel - sweet but without much substance or emotional weight - can be a sign of AI, says the musician and technology speaker, as well as vocals that feel breathless.

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One day, as I arrived breathless at the top of a Mar Vista crest, I saw the ocean behind me and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the end of a breathless and unforgettable day, 19 wickets have fallen, England lead by 49 and have a golden opportunity to go 1-0 up.

Read more on BBC