jaw-dropping

adjective

jaw-drop·​ping ˈjȯ-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce jaw-dropping (audio)
: causing great surprise or astonishment
jaw-dropper noun
jaw-droppingly adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The two-piece was completely decked out in cream sequins that gave the jaw-dropping fit a liquid-like look. Chaise Sanders, Country Living, 19 Mar. 2023 On the scale of jaw-dropping, did-that-just-happen moments, Stacey Toran’s three-quarter court last-second heave to push Broad Ripple past No. 1 Marion 71-69 in the morning game of the state finals in 1980 has to rank near the top. The Indianapolis Star, 17 Mar. 2023 Ciara is known for her daring outfits and jaw-dropping looks. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023 Dancers Iago Breschi and Ariana Gonzalez rehearsed a jaw-dropping, cat-like move. Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2023 Highlights include a chair from UpGroup, which stacks a rainbow of marble hues together, as well as a jaw-dropping, fanlike screen by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Hannes Peer. Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, 8 Mar. 2023 Lydia Tár’s professional fall from grace is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Malina Saval, Variety, 8 Mar. 2023 The 2023 Oscars air live on March 12 (ABC, 8 p.m. ET/5 PT), which means all eyes will be closely watching to see what transpires around the jaw-dropping moment. Amy Haneline, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2023 What was even more jaw-dropping was her blunt bob, which Abergel revealed was created during a spur-of-the-moment haircutting session. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jaw-dropping.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jaw-dropping was in 1980

Dictionary Entries Near jaw-dropping

Cite this Entry

“Jaw-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jaw-dropping. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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