Striking means standing out in a way that immediately catches your attention. A striking painting might stop you in your tracks at a museum because its colors are so vivid or its subject so unusual. A striking resemblance between two people means they look remarkably similar in a way you notice right away.

The word suggests something memorable and impressive that demands attention. A building with striking architecture makes people stop and stare. When someone wears a striking outfit, heads turn. A scientist might make a striking discovery that changes how we understand the world.

You'll also see this word used to describe contrasts that grab attention. A striking difference between two things means the gap between them is obvious and significant. If your friend used to be shy but now confidently performs on stage, that's a striking change in their personality.