breathless

American  

[breth-lis] / ˈbrɛθ lɪs /

adjective

1. without breath or breathing with difficulty; gasping; panting.

   We were breathless after the steep climb.

2. with the breath held, as in suspense, astonishment, fear, or the like.

   breathless listeners of the mystery story.

3. causing loss of breath, as from excitement, anticipation, or tension.

   a breathless ride.

4. dead; lifeless.

5. motionless or still, as air without a breeze.

   a breathless summer day.

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breathless British  

/ ˈbrɛθlɪs /

adjective

1. out of breath; gasping, etc

2. holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc

   a breathless confrontation

3. (esp of the atmosphere) motionless and stifling

4. rare lifeless; dead

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Other Word Forms

• breathlessly adverb
• breathlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of breathless

First recorded in 1350–1400, breathless is from the Middle English word brethles. See breath, -less

Example Sentences

Instead, he delivers his hair-raising message—that we’re staring at “a humiliating and bloody defeat” if we go to war with China—in a jaunty, clever and sometimes breathless book.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“NOVA” is always pro-science and sometimes a bit breathless about the accomplishments it showcases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The England centre slotted the winning kick - his seventh out of seven - to edge out the Italians in a breathless encounter at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

It is a dish born of abundance and branding — creamy, bronzed, a little breathless.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

My daughter joined us, her haste making her breathless.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya