enthralling
Britishadjective
Explanation
Something enthralling is fascinating — you become completely absorbed in it. An enthralling book is hard to put down, even when it's past your bedtime. When things captivate or grip you, they're enthralling. You can find another person enthralling, or a well-made movie, a wonderful concert, or an entrancing painting in a museum. Enthralling comes from the verb enthrall, which means "capture one's attention," but had the original meaning of "enslave." The word comes from the prefix en-, "make or put in," and thrall, from the Old English þræl, "serf or slave."
Vocabulary lists containing enthralling
Pay Attention! Synonyms for "Interesting"
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Words to Describe a Novel or a Story
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"The Picture of Dorian Gray," Vocabulary from Preface-Chapter 4
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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.
The Masters looks set to deliver an enthralling conclusion after a third-round stumble by defending champion Rory McIlroy opened the door to a star-studded chasing pack at Augusta National.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
On stage, Cameron Winter leads an overall enthralling performance, as the group slams out songs back-to-back with little to say in between; no shenanigans, just a top-notch show.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
Miller gives both characters some claim on the truth, making the twisting argument that breaks out between the brothers enthralling to follow.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Reopening after a high-profile expansion, the institution stages a sprawling and enthralling inaugural show that examines how technology shapes ideas of what it means to be human.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
Though the reality and meaning of the Bible stories seemed vast and alien, I still found the stories enthralling, so I said: “The Bible stories are nice.”
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
