Dictionary.com
definitions

stunning

[ stuhn-ing ]
/ ˈstʌn ɪŋ /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stunning ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

causing, capable of causing, or liable to cause astonishment, bewilderment, or a loss of consciousness or strength: a stunning blow.
of striking beauty or excellence: What a stunning dress you're wearing!

RELATED CONTENT

🌸 Cherry Blossom Emoji - Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
Each Firework Type Has A Name … Do You Know Them?Independence Day fireworks generally get the “ooohs” and ahhhs,” but did you know that each type has an actual name?
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

sensational, great, impressive, remarkable, striking, brilliant, devastating, spectacular, dazzling, wonderful, gorgeous, lovely, ravishing, smashing, top, fine, fair, bonny, comely, excellent

Nearby words

  1. stun grenade,
  2. stun gun,
  3. stung,
  4. stunk,
  5. stunner,
  6. stunningly,
  7. stunsail,
  8. stunt,
  9. stunt man,
  10. stunt person

Origin of stunning

First recorded in 1660–70; stun + -ing2
SYNONYMS FOR stunning
1 stupefying, numbing, dumbfounding, astounding.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stunning ON THESAURUS.COM
Related formsstun·ning·ly, adverb

Definition for stunning (2 of 2)

stun

[ stuhn ]
/ stʌn /

verb (used with object), stunned, stun·ning.

to deprive of consciousness or strength by or as if by a blow, fall, etc.: The blow to his jaw stunned him for a moment.
to astonish; astound; amaze: Her wit stunned the audience.
to shock; overwhelm: The world was stunned by the attempted assassination.
to daze or bewilder by noise.

noun

the act of stunning.
the condition of being stunned.

Origin of stun

1250–1300; Middle English stonen, stunen (v.) < Old French estoner to shake, make resound; see astonish
SYNONYMS FOR stun
2, 3 See shock1.
4 stupefy.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR stun ON THESAURUS.COM
Related formsun·stunned, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for stunning

British Dictionary definitions for stunning (1 of 2)

stunning

/ (ˈstʌnɪŋ) /

adjective

informal very attractive, impressive, astonishing, etc
Derived Formsstunningly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for stunning (2 of 2)

stun

/ (stʌn) /

verb stuns, stunning or stunned (tr)

to render unconscious, as by a heavy blow or fall
to shock or overwhelm
to surprise or astound

noun

the state or effect of being stunned

Word Origin for stun

C13 stunen, from Old French estoner to daze, stupefy, from Vulgar Latin extonāre (unattested), from Latin ex- 1 + tonāre to thunder
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for stunning

stun

v.

c.1300, "to daze or render unconscious" (from a blow, powerful emotion, etc.), probably a shortening of Old French estoner "to stun" (see astonish). Stunning popularized for "splendid, excellent" c.1849.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper