ravishing

adjective

rav·​ish·​ing ˈra-vi-shiŋ 

: unusually attractive, pleasing, or striking

ravishingly

ˈra-vi-shiŋ-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

ravishing or ravenous?

Ravenous and ravishing are not synonyms, and mixing these two words may lead to potentially awkward writing or conversation. Ravenous is commonly used with the meaning “very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification,” and ravishing means “unusually attractive, pleasing, or striking.” If you find yourself hungry and standing in front of a spectacular-looking meal you would say (of the food) “that looks ravishing,” and (of yourself) “I am ravenous.” You may, of course, describe yourself as ravishing, but should be aware that you are commenting on your appearance rather than your hunger.

Synonyms of ravishing

• beautiful
• lovely
• gorgeous
• handsome
• attractive
• cute
• pretty
• stunning
• charming

Examples of ravishing in a Sentence

She is a ravishing beauty.

a ravishing view of the ocean

Recent Examples on the Web

The 37-year-old actress waltzed across the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California, looking absolutely ravishing, as per usual. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Check out Pantelleria Seemingly drifting off towards Tunisia from Sicily’s southwestern shores, Pantelleria is the largest of the minor Sicilian islands and one of its most ravishing. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

The Testament of Ann Lee is a film unlike any other—expansive, ravishing, deeply moving—and Seyfried’s layered, visceral performance is its center. —Claire Messud, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026

This ravishing historical drama became a sensation upon its release in 2020. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ravyschinge "rapacious, rapidly moving, delightful, enchanting," from present participle of ravisshen "to ravish"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ravishing

• lavishing

Kids Definition

ravishing

adjective

rav·​ish·​ing ˈrav-ish-iŋ 

: very attractive or pleasing

ravishingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb