fascinating

adjective

fas·​ci·​nat·​ing ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce fascinating (audio)
ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-
: extremely interesting or charming : captivating
a fascinating documentary
gave a fascinating account of the expedition
fascinatingly
ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce fascinating (audio)
ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-
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 But these crimson flashers have inspired at least one riot, are a fascinating technological innovation, and, really, symbolize a rather beautiful altruistic method of human communication. Susan Howson, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024 Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 And soon, a new book will tackle the whole fascinating saga. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 The victory sets up a fascinating second-round matchup against Alabama on Sunday (4:10 p.m., TBS) that suits the Lopes on multiple levels. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 Edelman’s low-key ease and self-aware humor makes this nursing home escapee a beguiling yet clear-eyed guide to the long-ago past and to this fascinating circus caravan. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 From restaurants to bars and bookstores, Sacramento is home to many longstanding businesses with fascinating pasts. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Two other favorites: Spread across two Renaissance mansions and a beautiful courtyard, Musée Carnavalet explores the history of Paris through street signs and other fascinating relics of its past. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 Kahlo makes for an absorbing narrative, but just as fascinating is the social and political context that produced her — including complex racial politics that mythologized Indigeneity while also subsuming it to a broader mestizo culture. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fascinating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near fascinating

Cite this Entry

“Fascinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascinating. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fascinating

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fascinating

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!