spellbinding

1 of 2

adjective

spell·​bind·​ing ˈspel-ˌbīn-diŋ How to pronounce spellbinding (audio)
Synonyms of spellbindingnext
: holding the attention as if by a spell
a spellbinding story
spellbindingly
ˈspel-ˌbīn-diŋ-lē How to pronounce spellbinding (audio)
adverb

spellbinding

2 of 2

present participle of spellbind

Examples of spellbinding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But the gamble paid off, and I was treated to a spellbinding display of auroras dancing across the Arctic sky. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Visually, however, everything was pretty much equally spellbinding — which is the true greatness of this tour. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 Not only is Miral a fairytale partner thanks to its spellbinding track record, but the deal involves no financial risk to Disney. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Obreht distinguishes herself as a spellbinding writer who recognizes the ways that mythologies bend the truth to dazzle us with stories that capture a larger history. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spellbinding

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spellbinding was in 1827

Rhymes for spellbinding

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Browse Nearby Words

spellbinder
spellbinding
spellbound
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Cite this Entry

“Spellbinding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbinding. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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