The word "riveting" means something that is extremely interesting or holds your attention completely. When an experience, story, or performance is described as riveting, it captures your focus so much that you cannot look away or think of anything else.
The term "riveting" comes from the verb "rivet," which means to fasten or secure firmly. The word has its roots in Middle French "river," which means to fasten or tie securely, and it can be traced back to Old Norse "riva," meaning to tear or tear apart. The connection here is metaphorical: something riveting holds your attention firmly, much like a rivet holds things together.