breathtaking
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
A breathtaking dancer, Alexis Fousekis, served as what might be heaven’s most eccentric angel.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Speaking anonymously, one said: "It felt like a military operation. The sheer scale and enormity of it is breathtaking."
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Before her faceoff with Trump, Kelly was known as one of the saner, smarter voices at Fox News—a notable if not breathtaking accomplishment.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
The images it beamed back to Earth were breathtaking.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
Edward was waiting, leaning casually against the side of the gym, his breathtaking face untroubled now.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
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.
