dazzle

verb

daz·​zle ˈda-zəl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling ˈdaz-liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
ˈda-zə-liŋ

intransitive verb

1
: to lose clear vision especially from looking at bright light
2
a
: to shine brilliantly
… the woods dazzled whitely …Truman Capote
b
: to arouse admiration by an impressive display
She dazzles in her live concerts.

transitive verb

1
: to overpower with light
was dazzled by the camera flash
2
: to impress deeply, overpower, or confound with brilliance
dazzled us with her wit
dazzle noun
dazzler noun

Examples of dazzle in a Sentence

Elvis always dazzled his audiences. Visitors were dazzled by the mansion's ornate rooms. She truly dazzles in her live concerts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bulls acquired him in August 2021 in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, and Ball initially dazzled in Chicago, slinging end-to-end passes and moving with the ball like it was attached to a string in the palm of his hand. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 With a cast of more than 25 actors with speaking roles, the movie dazzled audiences around the world to the tune of $975 million at the worldwide box office. Zack Sharf, Variety, 24 June 2025 Break out the trifle bowl, this layered recipe will dazzle at the potluck. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 23 June 2025 Here, Astal says Ahmed has been dazzled by the abundance of shawarma - a sandwich of sliced chicken roasted on a spit. Jane Arraf, NPR, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dazzle

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of daze

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dazzle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dazzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dazzle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dazzle

verb
daz·​zle ˈdaz-əl How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
dazzled; dazzling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce dazzle (audio)
1
: to overpower with light
the desert sunlight dazzled us
2
: to impress greatly or confuse with brilliance
dazzled the crowds with fiery speeches
dazzle noun
dazzler noun
dazzlingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on dazzle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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