ENGLISH
REFERENCE

striking

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈstɹaɪkɪŋ// UK //stɹˈaɪkɪŋ// strik·ing
  1. 1 noticeable or beautiful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very unusual or beautiful in a way that makes you notice it immediately.

    attracting attention by being unusual, extreme, or prominently beautiful.

    Example

    The contrast between the white sand and the dark blue water was very striking.

    Example

    The most striking feature of the new library is its glass roof, which allows natural light to reach every floor of the building.

  2. 2 on industrial strike (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    refusing to work because of an argument with an employer about pay or conditions.

    participating in industrial action by refusing to work. This sense is non-gradable.

    Example

    The striking workers stood outside the factory gates with signs.

    Example

    The union provided financial support to the striking miners throughout the winter months to ensure their families had basic necessities.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 hitting or happening (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the action of hitting something, or a thought suddenly coming to your mind.

    the present participle of 'strike', used for physical impact, sudden realization, or the sounding of a clock.

    Example

    He was striking the nail with a heavy hammer.

    Example

    It was striking how quickly the atmosphere in the room changed once the results were announced.

  2. 4 the act of hitting (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of one thing hitting another.

    the action or instance of hitting or being hit.

    Example

    The striking of the clock at midnight was the only sound in the house.

    Example

    The repeated striking of the metal against the stone eventually caused the ancient wall to crumble.

© 2026 English Reference