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

For the most breathtaking experience, head up there during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light washes over the city, illuminating its rooftops and winding streets in a magical glow. —Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

There was no shortage of breathtaking earrings, either. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026

Kate Hudson looked breathtaking at the Golden Globes 2026 red carpet on January 11. —Elle Meier, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

The neighborhood, which borders the Cape Cod Canal with breathtaking views of the Sagamore Bridge and canalway, is home to longtime residents, some of whom have lived there for over 60 years. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 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