breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
1
: causing one to breathe rapidly or with difficulty : making one out of breath
a breathtaking pain in her side
2
a
: exciting, thrilling
a breathtaking race
b
: very great : astonishing
his breathtaking ignorance
breathtakingly adverb

Examples of breathtaking in a Sentence

The train raced past with breathtaking speed. They gave a breathtaking performance. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. a scene of breathtaking beauty The scope of the error is breathtaking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Often referred to as the European Hawaii, this stunning destination offers breathtaking landscapes, authentic markets and exquisite wines. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 This cheating would have been breathtaking, breathtaking. Time Staff, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 While his demise came with breathtaking speed, the repercussions are just beginning – for Syria itself, for the rest of the region, and for major outside players including Moscow, Beijing, and Washington. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024 Getting to Bhutan Two airlines — Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines — serve Bhutan, and only a select few pilots are authorized to fly into Paro International Airport, because navigating the (breathtaking) mountain peaks and valleys is so challenging. Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for breathtaking 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathtaking was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near breathtaking

Cite this Entry

“Breathtaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathtaking. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

breathtaking

adjective
breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
1
: making one out of breath
breathtaking speed
2
: exciting, thrilling
breathtaking beauty
breathtakingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on breathtaking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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