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adj C1 Advanced

riveting

RIH-vih-tihng

Riveting (adj) means So interesting or exciting that it completely holds your attention. Example: “It was a riveting account of the rescue, told in vivid detail.”

adj
1
So interesting or exciting that it completely holds your attention.
"It was a riveting account of the rescue, told in vivid detail."
noun
1
The process of joining metal pieces together with rivets.
"Riveting was the standard method of assembling steel-hulled ships."

How to use riveting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely gripping or engrossing (figurative), or literally the act of fastening with rivets.

Common pairings
riveting story riveting performance absolutely riveting

Word forms

more riveting comparative, rivetings plural, most riveting superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

It was a _____ account of the rescue, told in vivid detail.

Etymology

From "rivet" plus the "-ing" ending, in the figurative sense of being "fastened" to something by its interest.

Rhymes for riveting

See all rhymes for riveting →

Frequently asked questions

What does “riveting” mean?

The word “riveting” means so interesting or exciting that it completely holds your attention. In plain terms, extremely gripping or engrossing (figurative), or literally the act of fastening with rivets.

How do you pronounce “riveting”?

“Riveting” is pronounced RIH-vih-tihng (/ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “riveting” in a sentence?

Here is “riveting” used in a sentence: “It was a riveting account of the rescue, told in vivid detail.”

What part of speech is “riveting”?

Depending on how it is used, “riveting” can be an adjective and a noun.

How many meanings does “riveting” have?

“Riveting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so interesting or exciting that it completely holds your attention.

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