# striking

/ˈstɹaɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /stɹˈaɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/striking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. noticeable or beautiful

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: attracting attention by being unusual, extreme, or prominently beautiful.

- The contrast between the white sand and the dark blue water was very striking.
- The most striking feature of the new library is its glass roof, which allows natural light to reach every floor of the building.

### 2. on industrial strike

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The striking workers stood outside the factory gates with signs.
- The union provided financial support to the striking miners throughout the winter months to ensure their families had basic necessities.

### 3. hitting or happening

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- He was striking the nail with a heavy hammer.
- It was striking how quickly the atmosphere in the room changed once the results were announced.

### 4. the act of hitting

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of one thing hitting another.

For teachers: the action or instance of hitting or being hit.

- The striking of the clock at midnight was the only sound in the house.
- The repeated striking of the metal against the stone eventually caused the ancient wall to crumble.

## Examples

- The contrast between the black and white walls is striking.
- She has a striking resemblance to her grandmother, especially in the way she smiles.
- The most striking feature of the new skyscraper is its glass facade, which reflects the surrounding historic buildings in a distorted, artistic pattern.

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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.