English Reference
adjective

intriguing

adj.
US /ˌɪnˈtɹiɡɪŋ/ UK /ɪntɹˈiːɡɪŋ/ in·trigu·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    making you very interested because something seems strange or mysterious.

    arousing great interest or curiosity through being unusual, mysterious, or fascinating.

    Simple

    The scientist found some intriguing evidence that suggested life might exist on other planets.

    In context

    The archaeologist discovered an intriguing set of symbols carved into the cave wall that did not match any known local script.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic

    secretly planning to do something dishonest or harmful to others.

    engaging in secret schemes or underhanded plots.

    Simple

    The king was surrounded by intriguing courtiers who all wanted more power.

    In context

    The novel depicts a court filled with intriguing politicians, each more concerned with their own advancement than the welfare of the state.

    schemingplottingconniving

The research team came across intriguing findings from their study of shift workers in the Arctic Circle, where the sun barely sets in summer and sleep has to be won from the never-ending day.

BBC News· 19 Jul 2026

When Harding uncovered the intriguing holes, he noticed that they seemed to line up with the Sun, just like Stonehenge located a few miles away.

BBC News· 17 Jun 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated