jaw-dropping

adjective

jaw-drop·​ping ˈjȯ-ˌdrä-piŋ 

: causing great surprise or astonishment

jaw-dropper

ˈjȯ-ˌdrä-pər 

noun

jaw-droppingly

ˈjȯ-ˌdrä-piŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• amazing
• astonishing
• astounding
• blindsiding
• dumbfounding
• dumfounding
• eye-opening
• flabbergasting
• jarring
• jolting
• shocking
• startling
• stunning
• stupefying
• surprising

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

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Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above