fascinating
Americanadjective
adjective
-
arousing great interest
-
enchanting or alluring
a fascinating woman
Other Word Forms
- fascinatingly adverb
- half-fascinating adjective
- half-fascinatingly adverb
- quasi-fascinating adjective
- quasi-fascinatingly adverb
- unfascinating adjective
Etymology
Origin of fascinating
First recorded in 1640–50; fascinat(e) + -ing 2
Explanation
Something fascinating really captures your interest: you can't take your eyes off it or can't wait to learn more about it. To a sports fan, a basketball game may be fascinating, including the smallest details, like who got the most assists and what kind of defense was played. Music fans find concerts fascinating. Many people think politics is fascinating — they can't get enough TV and magazine stories about the latest political events. Whatever you think is fascinating, it must really hold your attention: you always want to see and know more.
Vocabulary lists containing fascinating
12 More Interesting Ways to Say "interesting"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Pay Attention! Synonyms for "Interesting"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It’s here that I notice something fascinating: A number of the people replying to Choudhury’s posts indicate that they’re queer in their profiles.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
“Railroaded” gives a fascinating insider’s view of a vital and dangerous profession.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Walsh said India's aviation sector had been "fascinating to watch in recent years", pointing to strong growth and improving connectivity.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
"The idea that this small compound, which people have barely heard of, plays such an important role, is fascinating."
From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026
It’s a tale that might seem fascinating to a tourist, but it’s making me feel like a dove with broken wings.
From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar
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.
