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

• 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

Throughout the 90 minute show, the quintet made their disparate sounds flow into a cohesive setlist, with Lewis’ strong vocals stunning the already-rapt crowd. —William Earl, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

Even passive observers dialed in with rapt interest as powerful moments unfolded between matches. —Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

In front of a rapt Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival audience Aug. 9, Michelle Obama co-hosted with her brother a live taping of their podcast IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, produced through their production company Higher Ground. —Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025

Meteorologist Alexandra Holley held a giant weather balloon and the rapt attention of a group of youngsters. —Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025

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