breathless

American  

[breth-lis] / ˈbrɛθ lɪs /

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.

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breathless British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• breathlessly adverb
• breathlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of breathless

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

Example Sentences

But that amount of Botox left me breathless when climbing stairs, and the smoothing-out of my voice lasted for only a couple of weeks.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

“NOVA” is always pro-science and sometimes a bit breathless about the accomplishments it showcases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

And we’re all left a little breathless, looking around at each other, as though something magical has occurred.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

It is a dish born of abundance and branding — creamy, bronzed, a little breathless.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

We fly back up, the panda’s face coming onto the screen, Abby’s voice, breathless and giddy as she grips the panda tightly, screaming out, “Happy birthday, Stella!”

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott