# gripping

/ˈɡɹɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gripping
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. exciting and interesting

adjective · CEFR B2

so interesting or exciting that you cannot stop paying attention to it.

For teachers: compelling or fascinating; capable of commanding and holding one's attention completely.

- The novel was so gripping that I stayed up all night to finish it.
- The documentary offered a gripping account of the rescue mission, combining archival footage with intense first-hand interviews.

### 2. holding tightly

verb · CEFR B1

holding something very firmly with your hand.

For teachers: the present participle of 'grip', describing the act of grasping or clutching something tightly.

- He was gripping the steering wheel tightly because he was nervous.
- Gripping the icy railing with both hands, the hiker carefully navigated the narrow ledge above the canyon.

### 3. the act of grasping

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the action of taking a firm hold of something.

For teachers: the gerund form denoting the action of applying a grip or grasp.

- The proper gripping of the golf club is essential for a good swing.
- The mechanical arm's gripping of the delicate glass components required precise calibration to avoid structural failure.

## Examples

- The movie has a gripping plot.
- I stayed up until three in the morning because the novel was so gripping I couldn't put it down.
- The documentary provides a gripping account of the expedition, combining archival footage with modern interviews to maintain a high level of tension throughout its three-hour runtime.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.