with bated breath

idiom

: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen
They waited for the answer on their application with bated breath.

Examples of with bated breath in a Sentence

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.
After last year’s incredible Washington D.C. corpse flower showing—where two of these rare flowers bloomed almost at the same time—gardeners and tourists alike have been waiting with bated breath to see when (and where) the next corpse flower blossoms will appear in 2025. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025 Not too long ago the internet was waiting with bated breath to see if celebrity bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow's eggs would hatch. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 May 2025 For years, architects and technology executives have watched this architectural cage match with bated breath. Forrester, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 However, with much of Hollywood waiting with bated breath for the new program updates, some sources wonder whether there will be an underwhelming response to the upcoming application process. Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for with bated breath

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“With bated breath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/with%20bated%20breath. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!