captivating
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- captivatingly adverb
- uncaptivating adjective
Etymology
Origin of captivating
First recorded in 1670–80; captivat(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the intervening weeks, he held interviews and wrote letters from his jail cell, denouncing slavery and captivating the country with his dedication and resolve.
From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026
"It was one of the most captivating Six Nations in history, fitting it came down to one final moment of drama," BBC rugby correspondent Chris Jones said.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
Elle, played by Ms. Dizzia with quiet, captivating vitality, complicates Dick’s narrative, revealing a more nuanced perspective: “I adored him. But then suddenly my love for him would die.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
After captivating audiences as Aunt Gladys in the summer horror hit, Madigan is navigating Oscar buzz, press interest and ‘exciting’ conversations about what’s next.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026
“We need to keep it creepy, but charismatic creepy. Whoever our Dracu-lass ends up being, she needs to be just as captivating as Bela Lugosi.”
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
