breathless
Americanadjective
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without breath or breathing with difficulty; gasping; panting.
We were breathless after the steep climb.
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with the breath held, as in suspense, astonishment, fear, or the like.
breathless listeners of the mystery story.
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causing loss of breath, as from excitement, anticipation, or tension.
a breathless ride.
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dead; lifeless.
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motionless or still, as air without a breeze.
a breathless summer day.
adjective
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out of breath; gasping, etc
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holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc
a breathless confrontation
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(esp of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling
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rare lifeless; dead
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of breathless
First recorded in 1350–1400, breathless is from the Middle English word brethles. See breath, -less
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.
Researchers say blood pressure and blood sugar control improve for 24-48 hours after a workout that pushes you hard enough to become breathless for several minutes.
From Science Daily • May 16, 2026
From 1-0 down to 2-1 up, from deep concern to utter bedlam in 18 breathless minutes.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
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
“This place is incredible,” Jack said, almost breathless from the sight.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
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.
