rapt

adjective

ˈrapt 

1

: lifted up and carried away

2

: transported with emotion : enraptured

3

: wholly absorbed : engrossed

raptly

ˈrap(t)-lē 

adverb

raptness

ˈrap(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of rapt

• ecstatic
• giddy
• enraptured

Examples of rapt in a Sentence

The students listened with rapt attention.

The children sat rapt as the puppets danced.

Recent Examples on the Web

Production designer Nikhil Kovale and his team followed, and the background extras were coached in the inattentive, overlapping business of real hearings rather than the rapt pantomime standard to Bollywood courtroom scenes. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026

As a performer, Tetzloff uses a natural physicality, at times leaning back from the piano as if to take a good look at his hands on the keys, and at other times coiling forward in rapt concentration. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026

The return mission was highly anticipated and attracted rapt viewers from across the nation. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

The kids watched with rapt attention as cameras carried them along for nearly the entire ride, even showing views of the floating drone ship awaiting the returning Falcon 9 booster. —Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "carried off (of a soul to heaven)," borrowed from Latin raptus, past participle of rapere "to seize and carry off, take away by force, carry or sweep along" (Medieval Latin also "to carry away [a soul to heaven]") — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapt

• apt
• capped
• chapped
• chapt
• clapped
• flapped
• gapped
• lapped
• mapped
• napped
• rapped
• sapped

Kids Definition

rapt

adjective

ˈrapt 

: showing complete delight or interest

listened with rapt attention

raptly

ˈrap-(t)lē 

adverb

raptness

ˈrap(t)-nəs 

noun