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Definition of breathless

breathless

/ˈbrɛθ.ləs/
breath · less
Adverb:breathlessly
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breathless Lexical Profile

breathless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Gasping for air or having difficulty breathing, typically as a result of physical exertion.

Example

"The steep climb up the mountain trail left the hikers completely breathless."

2

Holding one's breath or unable to speak normally due to intense excitement, awe, suspense, or fear; causing such a feeling.

Example

"The audience watched in breathless anticipation as the acrobat stepped onto the high wire."

3

Completely still and motionless, without any breeze or movement of air.

Example

"They sat on the porch throughout the hot, breathless afternoon waiting for a cool breeze."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for breathless

• Nearby Words

breathily
breathiness
breathing
breathless
breathlessly
breathlessness
breathtaking

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 14th century, formed in Middle English from 'breath' (derived from Old English 'bræth', meaning odor, exhalation, or vapor) combined with the privative suffix '-less'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Breathless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/breathless
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