English Reference
adjective · noun

dazzling

adj. · n.
US /ˈdæzəɫɪŋ/ UK /dˈæzlɪŋ/ daz·zling

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.so bright that it makes you unable to see for a short time.

    adj.extremely bright, to the extent of causing temporary visual impairment or discomfort.

    Simple

    The dazzling sunlight reflecting off the snow made it hard to drive.

    In context

    The dazzling glare from the oncoming headlights forced the driver to slow down and squint at the road ahead.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.extremely impressive, beautiful, or skillful.

    adj.exceptionally brilliant, splendid, or impressive in display or performance.

    Simple

    The young pianist gave a dazzling performance that the audience loved.

    In context

    The architect's dazzling use of glass and steel transformed the city's skyline into a modern masterpiece.

    unimpressiveordinary
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Formal

    n.the act of making someone unable to see clearly with bright light.

    n.the action or process of blinding someone with excessive light; the state of being dazzled.

    Simple

    The dazzling of the pilot by the laser pointer was a serious crime.

    In context

    The sudden dazzling of the security guards allowed the intruders to slip past the main gate unnoticed.

    dazzlementglare

Photograph: Collection Christophel/Alamy The pool is a mirror in Jacques Deray’s dazzling, depthless thriller pungently set on the French Riviera and tapping the off-screen tensions of co-stars Romy Schneider and Alain Delon.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has released a dazzling new image featuring more than 500,000 stars glowing in shades of red, white, and blue.

ScienceDaily· 5 Jul 2026

dazzle + -ing.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated