fascinating

adjective

fas·​ci·​nat·​ing ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce fascinating (audio)
ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ
: extremely interesting or charming : captivating
a fascinating documentary
gave a fascinating account of the expedition
fascinatingly
ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce fascinating (audio)
ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ-
adverb

Examples of fascinating in a Sentence

the fascinating cities and peoples of central Asia have been intriguing travelers at least since the time of Marco Polo the fascinating—but dubious—legend that Pocahontas rescued John Smith from certain death
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.
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 There’s a wealth of fascinating bird species that can be found all across its boundaries, and while birdwatching destinations span from Lytle Ranch to the Idaho border, few sites can match the splendor of the Great Salt Lake. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 And there are fascinating humans in this history: Notorious Boss Tweed, whose name is synonymous with political corruption; Thomas Nast, the brilliant political cartoonist; and E.F. Farrington, the master mechanic on the project and first person to daringly swing over the East River on a cable. Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 The fates of these fascinating underdogs soon become entwined, of course, in a drama that’s all about the fight for survival. Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinating

Word History

Etymology

see fascinate

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fascinating was in 1618

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fascinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascinating. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

fascinating

adjective
fas·​ci·​nat·​ing
ˈfas-ə-ˌnāt-iŋ
: extremely interesting or charming
fascinatingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fascinating

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