adj Uncommon

gripping

GRIH-pihng

Gripping (adj) means So engaging or exciting that it holds your full attention. Example: “The novel's gripping plot kept me up all night.”

adj

So engaging or exciting that it holds your full attention.

"The novel's gripping plot kept me up all night."

How to use gripping

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something so exciting or tense it completely absorbs you.

Common pairings

a gripping thriller gripping story gripping finale

Word forms

more gripping comparative, most gripping superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “gripping” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The novel's _____ plot kept me up all night.

Rhymes for gripping

tipping dipping ripping nipping sipping yipping shipping whipping slipping dripping clipping flipping

See all rhymes for gripping →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gripping” mean?

The word “gripping” means so engaging or exciting that it holds your full attention. In plain terms, describes something so exciting or tense it completely absorbs you.

How do you pronounce “gripping”?

“Gripping” is pronounced GRIH-pihng (/ˈɡɹɪpɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gripping” in a sentence?

Here is “gripping” used in a sentence: “The novel's gripping plot kept me up all night.”

What part of speech is “gripping”?

“Gripping” is an adjective.

Is “gripping” a common word?

“Gripping” is an uncommon word in modern English.