gripping

American

[grip-ing] / ˈgrɪp ɪŋ /

adjective

holding the attention or interest intensely; fascinating; enthralling.

a gripping play; a gripping book.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of gripping

First recorded in 1620–30; grip + -ing ²

Vocabulary lists containing gripping

12 More Interesting Ways to Say "interesting"

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Spelling Practice 1, Unit 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.

Except for one crucial difference - something that removed much of the jeopardy that made the last World Cup so gripping.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

The chief concern is that the rout gripping tech stocks in June could deepen as investors are forced to sell what they own to make room for the newcomers.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

When I flagged the results to Oura, it noted that gripping a vibrating stroller presents a particular challenge for optical sensors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Our must-read books for June include gripping new fiction from Dave Eggers and James Ellroy, buzzy celebrity memoirs, thrilling true stories and a few escapist beach reads.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

My knuckles were white from gripping the chair.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023