gorgeous
Americanadjective
-
strikingly beautiful or magnificent
gorgeous array
a gorgeous girl
-
informal extremely pleasing, fine, or good
gorgeous weather
Synonym Usage
See magnificent.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of gorgeous
First recorded in 1490–1500; earlier gorgeouse, from Old French gorgias “fashionable, elegant,” of uncertain origin, perhaps connected to gorge “throat”; see gorge
Explanation
Reach for the adjective gorgeous to describe jaw-droppingly beautiful, magnificent people or things. Good-looking is one thing. Beautiful is another. But reserve gorgeous for the kind of looks that take your breath away. Some synonyms include resplendent, dazzling, spectacular, and splendid. We know that the word comes from Old French gorgias, meaning "elegant," but beyond that it's hard to say for sure. It might have something to do with fancy necklaces adorning the throat — la gorge in French. If calling someone gorgeous isn't enough, pack some extra punch and say "drop-dead gorgeous" instead.
Vocabulary lists containing gorgeous
"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary
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Call of Beauty: Synonyms for "Beautiful"
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"
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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.
Gorgeous wall sconces that flank the theater’s interiors were covered in rust from the leaking roof, until Jerry scrubbed them all clean by hand.
From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025
She also embarked on a broadcasting career, presenting programmes including Dance Night with comedian Alexei Sayle and the radio documentary After I Was Gorgeous, which explored how beauty icons dealt with the ageing process.
From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025
Other fans weren't impressed with the Gorgeous singer's wardrobe, as one asked: "No outfit changes this era too...?"
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025
Gorgeous shifting light floats for more than 20 minutes without an earthly anchor.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2023
It’s kind of a bummer to think your own dad might have been someone who called you Gorgeous.
From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead
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.
