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 of breathtaking

• exciting
• thrilling
• interesting
• intriguing
• inspiring

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

Water glitters in a golden marsh stretching from the shore, promising breathtaking sunsets. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026

In January 2023, the group joined Beyoncé for a breathtaking private concert at the Atlantis The Royal grand resort in Dubai, performing in front of famous guests like Kendall Jenner, Chlöe Bailey, Halle Bailey and Rebel Wilson. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

This town of about 1,200 residents comes alive in autumn with quirky traditions, breathtaking foliage, and family-friendly activities that showcase the best of the season. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026

With breathtaking speed, a little over a month after the Good Earth casting rejection, Wong left Hollywood to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting China. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for breathtaking

• awaking
• backbreaking
• bookmaking
• brickmaking
• caretaking
• dressmaking
• filmmaking
• forsaking
• glassmaking
• groundbreaking
• haymaking
• heartbreaking

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