rapt

1 of 2

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

rapt

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of rap entry 3

Synonyms of rapt

Adjective

• ecstatic
• giddy
• enraptured

Examples of rapt in a Sentence

Adjective

The students listened with rapt attention.

The children sat rapt as the puppets danced.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Finally, in the 2021-22 season, an eaglet named Spirit grew up before the eyes of a rapt audience and soared into the great wide open. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

At the same time, this very condition, which also has to do with rapt attention, even fascination, is actively projected in every direction. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026

The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell led Team Coop with 28 points, so at least Indiana fans were rapt start to finish. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 July 2026

The rapt audience members were students, and Professor Ciccone taught, hoping that her expertise on the dance floor would resonate. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

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