gorgeous
GAWD-zhuhs
Gorgeous (adj) means Extremely beautiful, dazzling, or richly attractive. Example: “The garden looked gorgeous in the early morning light.”
adj
1
Extremely beautiful, dazzling, or richly attractive.
"The garden looked gorgeous in the early morning light."
"She wore a gorgeous emerald gown to the gala."
"It was a gorgeous sunset over the harbour."
2
(informal) Wonderful, delightful, or highly enjoyable in general.
"We had a gorgeous day at the seaside, with ice cream and games."
"Thanks for dinner, it was gorgeous, especially the chocolate pudding."
"This soup is absolutely gorgeous."
How to use gorgeous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStunningly beautiful — or, casually, just really great (a lovely meal, a lovely day).
When to use it
The 'great in general' sense (a gorgeous meal) is informal and especially common in British English.
Common pairings
gorgeous dress
gorgeous weather
absolutely gorgeous
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more gorgeous
- Superlative
- most gorgeous
Fill the gap
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The garden looked _____ in the early morning light.
Etymology
From Middle French gorgias ("elegant, fashionable"), tied to Old French gorge ("throat/bosom") — the idea being someone who proudly puffs out their chest or throat, dressed to impress.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gorgeous
See all rhymes for gorgeous →Frequently asked questions
What does “gorgeous” mean?
The word “gorgeous” means extremely beautiful, dazzling, or richly attractive. In plain terms, stunningly beautiful — or, casually, just really great (a lovely meal, a lovely day).
How do you pronounce “gorgeous”?
“Gorgeous” is pronounced GAWD-zhuhs (/ˈɡoɹd͡ʒəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “gorgeous” in a sentence?
Here is “gorgeous” used in a sentence: “She wore a gorgeous emerald gown to the gala.”
What part of speech is “gorgeous”?
“Gorgeous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gorgeous” come from?
The word “gorgeous” comes from Old French. From Middle French gorgias ("elegant, fashionable"), tied to Old French gorge ("throat/bosom") — the idea being someone who proudly puffs out their chest or throat, dressed to impress.
Is “gorgeous” a common word?
“Gorgeous” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “gorgeous” have?
“Gorgeous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely beautiful, dazzling, or richly attractive.
What is the difference between "gorgeous" and "beautiful"?
Both mean extremely attractive, but "gorgeous" is stronger and often suggests a dazzling, striking, or almost overwhelming beauty. "Beautiful" is a broader, more neutral term. Gorgeous also carries a more informal, enthusiastic tone.
Can "gorgeous" describe things other than people?
Yes. Besides describing a strikingly beautiful person, "gorgeous" can describe scenery, clothing, food, weather, or colours that are richly attractive. Informally it can also mean wonderful or highly enjoyable, as in "a gorgeous day out."
Is "gorgeous" formal or informal?
"Gorgeous" leans informal and expressive, and is common in everyday speech and compliments. In more formal writing, words like "beautiful," "elegant," or "magnificent" are often preferred. It conveys warmth and enthusiasm.
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