breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ 

1

: causing one to breathe rapidly or with difficulty : making one out of breath

a breathtaking pain in her side

2

a

: exciting, thrilling

a breathtaking race

b

: very great : astonishing

his breathtaking ignorance

breathtakingly

ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• charged
• electric
• electrifying
• exciting
• exhilarating
• exhilarative
• galvanic
• galvanizing
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• inspiring
• intoxicating
• kicky
• mind-bending
• mind-blowing
• mind-boggling
• rip-roaring
• rousing
• stimulating
• stirring
• thrilling

Examples of breathtaking in a Sentence

The train raced past with breathtaking speed.

They gave a breathtaking performance.

The view of the mountains was breathtaking.

a scene of breathtaking beauty

The scope of the error is breathtaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

There will soon be more public access to breathtaking views of the California coast at Big Sur, thanks to a deal between state officials and a Monaco billionaire. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024

This resort is in Sunny Isles Beach and offers breathtaking ocean views, gourmet dining and world-class spa services. —Jacob Wisda, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024

The 30-mile stretch of roadway offers plenty of hiking, camping, breathtaking views and even a ghost town. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 31 May 2024

Imagine dipping your toes in white sand while admiring the clear waters and breathtaking lush mountain views around you. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ 

1

: making one out of breath

breathtaking speed

2

: exciting, thrilling

breathtaking beauty

breathtakingly

-kiŋ-lē 

adverb