English Reference
Adjective

dashing

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈdæʃɪŋ/ UK /dˈæʃɪŋ/ dash·ing

adj.describing a man who looks very attractive, stylish, and full of confidence.

adj.characterised by an attractive, stylish, and confident appearance. Typically used to describe men; often carries a connotation of old-fashioned charm or gallantry.


SIMPLE

He looks very dashing in his new suit.

CONTEXTUAL

The actor made a dashing entrance at the film premiere, wearing a perfectly tailored tuxedo.

COMPLEX

In the classic novel, the protagonist is portrayed as a dashing young officer whose charisma and impeccable dress make him the center of attention at every social gathering.

Usage

Primarily used as an attributive adjective before a noun, though it can follow linking verbs like 'look' or 'seem'.

In They Died with Their Boots On , a huge 1941 hit, Erroll Flynn gave moviegoers a dashing and heroic Custer.

Smithsonian Magazine· 24 Jun 2026

Etymology 1

From Middle English daschande, equivalent to dash + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English dasshyng, dasshynge, equivalent to dash + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English daschande
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated