jaw-dropping

[ jaw-drop-ing ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. causing astonishment or surprise; amazing ( def ):

   The company has reported a jaw-dropping annual profit of $30 billion.

jaw-dropping

adjective

1. informal.
   amazing

Derived Forms

• ˈjaw-ˌdroppingly, adverb

Other Words From

• jaw-drop·ping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of jaw-dropping¹

First recorded in 1900–05; jaw ¹( def ) + dropping ( def )

Example Sentences

And with the film’s electrifying final song, “Defying Gravity” — which also serves as the closing number for the musical’s first act — Erivo delivers a jaw-dropping, applause-worthy performance worth the price of admission alone.

From Salon

There’s also a lot of breathing exercises — the famous “hee hee heeee,” jaw-dropping, face-wagging, arm-waving and humming through a straw, sometimes into a cup of water.

From Los Angeles Times

“We want that jaw-dropping moment that compels you to want to learn more about the specimen,” says Chris Weisbart, associate vice president for exhibits.

From Los Angeles Times

Only somewhat less jaw-dropping is Trump’s choice of former Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to be CIA director.

From Slate

To conduct their six-year study, the Australian scientists traveled to Seal Island off the coast of South Africa, the setting for countless “Shark Week” episodes and YouTube videos celebrating the sheer spectacle, and jaw-dropping violence, of great whites rocketing up from the depths and breaching the surface with doomed seals clutched in their mighty jaws.

From Los Angeles Times