breathtaking
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- breathtakingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of breathtaking
Explanation
When something is breathtaking, it astonishes or amazes you. A breathtaking work of art can leave you speechless and deeply moved. The adjective breathtaking comes from the earlier phrase "take one's breath away," meaning "leave one breathless with amazement and delight." Anything that produces that feeling in you can be described as breathtaking. You might be astonished at the breathtaking view from the top of a mountain, or moved to tears by a breathtaking film. Beautiful things are often breathtaking.
Vocabulary lists containing breathtaking
Call of Beauty: Synonyms for "Beautiful"
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Wow! Synonyms for "Amazing"
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Unit 6, Week 1
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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.
We delivered Moynihan Train Hall across the street—a grand space with a breathtaking skylight and first-class amenities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
Outside the abode, there is a saltwater infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views from the lounge chairs, and plenty of lush greenery.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
In a statement, Jo Sarsby Management described him as a "true pioneer of wildlife filmmaking" who had captured "some of the most breathtaking and intimate images" of the natural world.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
They absorb it quickly, re-price almost instantaneously, and look for the next target with breathtaking speed.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
The ride from the airport to the Marriott Hotel was absolutely breathtaking.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
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.
