breathtaking

[ breth-tey-king ]

adjective

1. thrillingly beautiful, remarkable, astonishing, exciting, or the like:

   a breathtaking performance.

breathtaking

/ ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing awe or excitement

   a breathtaking view

Derived Forms

• ˈbreathˌtakingly, adverb

Other Words From

• breathtaking·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of breathtaking¹

First recorded in 1875–80; breath + take + -ing ²

Example Sentences

An audience member from the special said, "It was breathtaking."

From Salon

Scherzinger’s singing is not only athletically thrilling but also breathtakingly beautiful.

From Los Angeles Times

"The love in that room. It was breathtaking," he added.

From BBC

Then he flicked the switch, taking 39 runs from the next 24 balls he faced with some breathtaking hitting.

From BBC

If you have more time, consider going farther to the Algarve coast, where the views are breathtaking and the pace is much slower than Lisbon.

From Salon

Related Words

• amazing
• astonishing
• exciting
• hair-raising
• heart-stopping
• impressive
• magnificent
• stunning
• thrilling