What does "staring" mean?

1. (the act of looking) the act of looking at someone or something for a long time. 2. (wide-eyed) describing eyes that are wide open and looking fixedly.

How do you use "staring"?

Often used as the subject of a sentence or after a preposition. Usually placed before the noun it describes.

staring

n. · adj.

US //ˈstɛɹɪŋ// UK //stˈeəɹɪŋ// star·ing

1 the act of looking (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of looking at someone or something for a long time.

the gerund form used as a noun to describe the action of gazing fixedly.

Example

Constant staring can make other people feel very uncomfortable.

Example

The prolonged staring of the crowd made the street performer visibly nervous during his routine.

Usage

Often used as the subject of a sentence or after a preposition.
- gaze
- glare
2 wide-eyed (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describing eyes that are wide open and looking fixedly.

describing a fixed, wide-eyed expression or the eyes themselves in such a state.

Example

The cat watched the bird with wide, staring eyes.

Example

The witness gave a staring look of pure terror as she recounted the events of the previous night.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- fixed
- wide eyed

Last updated June 19, 2026